11/30/2007. Remarks by Bernhard Klein: "In spring 1985 Cessna released details of a military
light utility version of the Model 208 Caravan I, with the company
designation U-27A.
Intended missions included, troop/transport (up to 12 paratroops or
3,835 lb (1,740 kg) of cargo), medical evacuation, FAC (Forward Air
Control), counter guerrilla/insurgency warfare, and as command center
for unmanned air vehicle operations. A demonstrator, N9767F, was shown
in April 1986 and subsequently toured US Army facilities. Claims that
the US Military designation C-16A was allocated to this type cannot be
confirmed, anyhow, the type was not accepted by the US Forces.
Another U-27A (pictured) was shown at the Farnborough International
Air Show in September 1988. It was marketed as the Low Intensity
Conflict Aircraft (LICA), equipped with weapons on six hard points
under the wing plus a reconnaissance pod on the fuselage center line.
The standard port side double cargo door was replaced by an electrically
operated 'roll up' cargo door that could be opened in flight to use a
three-barrel 0.50 in (12.7 mm) GECAL Gatling machine gun. The fate of
the aircraft is unknown."