BERNHARD C.F. KLEIN MEMORIAL COLLECTION
No. 7094. Cessna 208 U-27A (N9698F c/n 2080129)
Source unknown

Cessna 208 U-27A

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."

Created November 30, 2007