On this day in aviation history, 64 years ago (July 18, 1962), the Cessna 411 took flight for the first time. Developed from Cessna’s successful 310 light-twin, the 411 was the first model in the company’s 400 series of aircraft. At the time of the Model 411’s first flight, the aircraft was Cessna’s largest business aircraft to enter production. The C411 features seating for eight: two pilots and six passengers. The cabin is unpressurized, making the light-twin ideal for lower-altitude cross-country business trips. Air-stairs make entry into the C411 easier for occupants, while the retractable landing gear helps to reduce parasite drag while in cruise. Twin 340-horsepower Continental GTSIO-520 turbocharged flat-six engines power the Cessna 411 to a cruise speed of 216 mph, while maximum attainable airspeed is 268 mph.
Performance of the Cessna 411 is true to the intent of the design. Maximum takeoff weight is 6,500 pounds, and up to 196 US gallons of fuel can be loaded (with long-range tanks). This load of fuel gives the light-twin a range of 1,100 nautical miles, assuming a cruise speed of 216 mph with economy power settings. The C411 has a stall speed of 84 mph, a service ceiling of 26,000 feet, and a climb rate of 1,600 feet per minute. Takeoff over a 50-foot obstacle can be made with 1,890 feet of runway, while a landing can be made over said obstacle with 1,815 feet. Cessna manufactured 302 Model 411s, some of which served in a military capacity with Thailand and France. The C411 was further developed into the highly successful C401/402 and C421 series of light-twin-engined business aircraft.
