EPIC CARAVAN
Cessna Grand Caravan EX · Airworthiness Directives
Overview
This document outlines the enhancements made to the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B through the EPIC Caravan system developed by Raisbeck Engineering. It focuses on improving operational efficiency, reducing drag, and enhancing performance metrics such as cruise speed and fuel consumption. The document is intended for operators and pilots of the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B, providing insights into the benefits of the EPIC Caravan modifications. Key performance improvements include increased cruise speed, reduced fuel flow, and lower engine ITT, all contributing to greater profitability and environmental sustainability for operators. The document also highlights the aerodynamic design features that facilitate these enhancements, making it a valuable resource for those looking to optimize their aircraft's performance.
- Cruise speed can increase by 4-5 knots with EPIC Caravan modifications.
- Fuel flow can be reduced by approximately 2.6 gallons per hour at 175 knots cruise speed.
- Engine ITT can decrease by about 15 degrees Celsius due to drag reduction.
- The system includes dual aft body strakes and a forward cargo pod fairing for aerodynamic improvements.
- The modifications enhance directional stability and ride comfort.
Document
Source
Originally published by absoluteaviation.co.za. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Airworthiness Directives
- Pages
- 3
- File size
- 1.7 MB
- Publisher
- absoluteaviation.co.za
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
Cessna Grand Caravan EX for sale now
Free — save the GRAND CARAVAN EX to your watchlist and track it in one place.
More Cessna Grand Caravan EXmanuals & documents
See all 20 →- GRAND CARAVAN EXPerformance Data
- YUKON 208 PROPELLER INSTALLATION GUIDEParts Catalog
- Surf Air Mobility Accepts Delivery of Initial Four Cessna Grand Caravan EX Aircraft in Fleet Order from Textron AviationOther Documents
- SERVICE MANUAL & ICA WIPLINE 8000 FLOATS ON CESSNA 208Service Manual
- Analog Caravan User GuideV Speeds Reference
- C E S S N A G R A N D C A R A V A N E XPerformance Data
- GRAND CARAVAN EX SPECIFICATION AND DESCRIPTIONPilot's Operating Handbook
- Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)Flight Manual
- C E S S N A G R A N D C A R A V A N E XPerformance Data
- MC-208 Guardian™ Multi-Role CapabilitiesSupplemental Type Certificate
- Type Acceptance Report TAR 96/10 – Cessna 208 SeriesPilot's Operating Handbook
- 2019 Cessna Grand Caravan EX - Serial Number 208B-5553Performance Data
In this document
Introduction to EPIC Caravan
The EPIC Caravan is a drag reduction system designed specifically for the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B. It aims to enhance the aircraft's cruise speed and fuel efficiency while maintaining its robust operational capabilities. The system includes dual aft body strakes and a forward cargo pod fairing, both of which contribute to reduced drag and improved performance.
Performance Improvements
Flight tests indicate that the EPIC Caravan can increase cruise speed by approximately 4-5 knots at a fixed power setting. Additionally, it can reduce fuel flow by about 2.6 gallons per hour at a cruise speed of 175 knots, and it achieves a reduction in engine ITT by approximately 15 degrees Celsius, enhancing overall engine efficiency.
Aerodynamic Enhancements
The design features of the EPIC Caravan, such as the dual aft body strakes and the streamlined forward cargo pod fairing, significantly improve airflow around the aircraft. These enhancements not only reduce drag but also improve directional stability and ride comfort, making the aircraft more enjoyable to operate.
Environmental Impact
By reducing fuel consumption and emissions, the EPIC Caravan contributes to more environmentally friendly operations. The modifications allow operators to achieve greater efficiency without compromising performance or safety.
Conclusion
The EPIC Caravan represents a significant advancement in the operational capabilities of the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B. With its focus on reducing drag and improving performance metrics, it offers operators a compelling option for enhancing their aircraft's efficiency and profitability.
Full document text
Lowering Operational Costs, Increasing Cruise Speed and Profitability While Adding Flexibility For Cessna Caravan 208B EPIC CARAVAN The Cessna Caravan has long been recognized as a dependable, utilitarian, single-engine turboprop aircraft with a robust design and workhorse attitude. In keeping with Raisbeck’s mission to improve the productivity and efficiency of business aircraft, Raisbeck’s team of engineers saw a clear opportunity with the Cessna Caravan 208 B equipped with a factory cargo pod to reduce drag which adversely impacts the aircraft’s cruise speed, fuel consumption and engine ITT. Reducing drag would significantly improve the Caravan’s overall efficiency and increase profitability for its operators. EPIC Caravan is the end product of that vision: a drag reduction system engineered to be as tough as the Cessna Caravan 208B that gives operators the choice of faster cruise speeds or reduced fuel flows and ITT, making operations more cost-effective, flexible and profitable. As a bonus, lower fuel flows result in lower emissions, making operations more environmentally friendly. COMPONENTS OF THE EPIC CARAVAN Expanding Your Operational Profitability DUAL AFT BODY STRAKES • Decreased drag results in increased climb and cruise performance • Pilot control and handling qualities are enhanced • Equivalent vertical tail area is increased, smoothing the airflow from the cargo pod and forward fuselage, thereby improving directional stability and ride comfort FORWARD CARGO POD FAIRING • Reduced drag results in increased climb and cruise performance • With Raisbeck’s design, the need for a cargo pod de-icing boot is eliminated, resulting in lower maintenance costs and less downtime with no impact on the aircraft’s FIKI authorization • The forward fairing’s streamlined design eliminates the trapping of airflow behind the nose gear and in front of the leading edge of the cargo pod Expanding Your Operational Choices Let’s talk about the data recorded over hundreds of hours of flight tests for the Cessna Caravan 208B. EPIC CARAVAN FLIGHT TEST RESULTS CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN 208B CRUISE SPEED INCREASE DUE TO RAISBECK’S EPIC CARAVAN (FCPF + DABS) 8,000 ft/7,350 lbs/ISA AIRSPEED INCREASE DUE TO RAISBECK EPIC CARAVAN ~ KTAS BASELINE CRUISE AIRSPEED ~ KTAS 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 MAX RANGE CRUISE SPEED VMO 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN 208B REDUCTION IN ITT DUE TO RAISBECK’S EPIC CARAVAN (FCPF + DABS) 8,000 ft/7,350 lbs/ISA REDUCTION IN ITT DUE TO RAISBECK EPIC CARAVAN ~ DEG C BASELINE CRUISE AIRSPEED ~ KTAS 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 MAX RANGE CRUISE SPEED VMO 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN 208B CRUISE FUEL SAVINGS DUE TO RAISBECK’S EPIC CARAVAN (FCPF + DABS) 8,000 ft/7,350 lbs/ISA FUEL SAVINGS DUE TO RAISBECK EPIC CARAVAN ~ GAL/HR BASELINE CRUISE AIRSPEED ~ KTAS 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 MAX RANGE CRUISE SPEED VMO 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 EPIC CARAVAN CFD VISUALIZATIONS identify opportunities to improve efficiency Baseline highlights high drag regions at front of cargo pod Raisbeck fairing reduces drag and smooths airflow at front of cargo pod Baseline highlights regions of high drag and turbulent airflow under aft fuselage, creating drag and inducing yaw Raisbeck strakes reduce drag and smooth airflow under aft fuselage, eliminating yaw and improving control/handling INCREASED CRUISE SPEED At fixed power setting/fuel flow, EPIC Caravan adds 4-5 ktas of airspeed FUEL SAVINGS At fixed airspeed of 175 ktas, EPIC Caravan reduces fuel flow by ~2.6 gal/hr REDUCED ITT At a typical175 ktas fixed airspeed, EPIC Caravan results in ~15ºC reduction in ITT due to reduction in drag and associated power required for level flight Since its inception in 1982, Raisbeck Engineering has established an enduring reputation in the aviation industry for delivering aerodynamically-designed enhancements that have been incorporated into OEM production and installed on some of the most powerful brands in the world, including Beechcraft, Boeing, Bombardier Learjet, de Havilland, and Airbus. Raisbeck’s performance systems are certified worldwide, and the company maintains a dominant position for providing performance-driven, quality products, with a single-minded focus on customer support in the business and general aviation market, most notably for the King Air family. Moreover, Raisbeck Engineering has never had a single Airworthiness Directive or FAA-mandated Service Bulletin. EPIC Caravan is the latest development in the company’s extensive history of designing innovative products to enhance aircraft performance, utility, comfort and safety. Who We Are INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? Contact us and one of our Caravan specialists will get back to you with more information. Caravan@raisbeck.com | (206) 723-2000 | (800) 537-7277