From humanitarian aid to last-mile delivery for e-commerce, dual-capacity aircraft offer unique flexibility that can deliver significant operational and cost advantages, attracting interest from civilian and military organisations alike.

Disaster relief is a significant application for these aircraft, especially in medical or larger-scale emergency responses. In air ambulance configurations, some medical setups are designed for highly specialised life-support systems, making them less adaptable for rapid changeovers. While certain aircraft, like the King Air, can occasionally be used for quick-change air ambulance roles, many require a more permanent setup to accommodate critical equipment. 

However, for broader disaster relief—such as evacuating patients during a hurricane—the aircraft’s quick-change capability is ideal. For instance, when evacuating hospitals, many patients may be stable but require transport to safer locations, making rapid reconfiguration for passenger movement feasible. 

The key advantage for operators of dual-capability aircraft is the ability to transport passengers on one leg of a trip and cargo on the return, or vice versa, adjusting to market demand seamlessly. This adds a whole new dimension compared to a dedicated freighter or passenger aircraft. 

Multiple offerings

Tapping into that market, Textron Aviation offers three key multi-role aircraft designed for flexibility across a range of diverse environments: the Cessna Caravan, King Air, and Cessna SkyCourier, each model providing various configurations to suit passenger and cargo demands.

The Caravan, introduced in 1985, initially replaced single-engine piston aircraft in rugged conditions like arctic and jungle environments. Shortly after launch, FedEx requested a cargo-specific model, leading to the “Super Cargomaster.” 

In military logistics, the Caravan is well-suited for last-mile delivery. Rather than relying on larger, less efficient aircraft like the C-130, which can cost around US$10,000 per hour to operate, the Caravan provides a cost-effective alternative at approximately US$500 per hour. This approach is particularly advantageous when timely delivery of smaller cargo loads is essential, bypassing the delays of a multi-stop route.

“Unlike its dedicated freighter predecessor, the current model is easily convertible: it has standard windows and an airstair door, allowing it to carry both passengers and freight. Seats can be removed in about 20-30 minutes, thanks to full-length seat tracks that also bear most of the load,” Bob Gibbs, Textron Aviation’s Vice President of Special Missions Sales, highlighted.

“With a plywood floor or carpet overlay for quick reconfiguration, operators can seamlessly switch between passenger and cargo setups. For example, we recently used a demo Caravan with a PT6 engine crate secured in the back, demonstrating its versatility for both freight and personnel transport.”

Similarly, the King Air offers full-length seat tracks and a sizable cargo door, particularly in models like the King Air 260 and King Air 360 with specific cargo configurations. In about 15-20 minutes, the King Air can transition from passenger to cargo use by removing seats, with optional flat flooring to simplify cargo loading. 

“This versatility appeals to operators who need rapid reconfiguration while managing passenger comfort or loading requirements,” he continued.

The SkyCourier, Textron Aviation’s newest addition, has generated significant interest, particularly within military contexts. It carries up to 6,000 pounds or 19 passengers in its civilian configuration and offers even more passenger capacity in military settings. 

Like the Caravan, the SkyCourier features a forward cargo barrier for secure loose loading of cargo. In addition, it offers a certified “combi” version with nine passenger seats in the front, a mid-ship cargo barrier and cargo space in the rear, allowing operators to quickly adapt based on mission requirements.

“These multi-role aircraft offer unparalleled adaptability, enabling efficient and economical solutions for varied mission demands across civilian and defence sectors,” Gibbs added.