View source for Cessna 421 Golden Eagle

{{Short description|Pressurized twin-engine general aviation aircraft}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= Cessna 421 Golden Eagle
 |image= File:Cessna421B-Landing.jpg 
 |alt=
 |caption= Cessna 421B landing
 |type=Light transport
 |national_origin=[[United States]]
 |manufacturer=[[Cessna]]
 |first_flight= October 14, 1965
 |produced=1967–1985
 |number_built=1,916
 |introduction=1968<ref name="ReferenceA">Aviation Consumer's Used Aircraft Guide</ref>
 |developed_from= [[Cessna 411]]
 |developed_into= [[Cessna 425]]
}}

The '''Cessna 421 Golden Eagle''' is an American six or seven seat twin-engined light transport aircraft, developed in the 1960s by [[Cessna]] as a pressurized version of the earlier [[Cessna 411]].<ref name="simpson11030" >{{harvnb|Simpson|1995|pp=110, 130}}</ref>

==Development==

The Cessna 421 was first produced in May 1967, the 1968 model year. It had "Stabila-Tip" fuel tanks on the wingtips (like the [[Cessna 310]]).  Its electro-mechanical landing gear are similar to that of the 310.  It was an immediate hit, selling 200 planes in its first year.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

The very next year, 1969, the design was refined, with a three-inch stretch of the fuselage, five more gallons of fuel capacity, and a 40-pound increase in gross weight.  The plane was redesignated the Cessna 421A.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

In 1971, the design was again improved.  Both empty and gross weight increased, the wingspan was increased by two feet, raising the [[service ceiling]] by 5,000 feet.  The nose was stretched two feet to accommodate a larger nose baggage section. This new plane is designated the Cessna 421B.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

In 1975, the plane was offered with a package of equipment enabling flight into known icing conditions.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

In 1976, the 421C appeared which featured [[wet wing]]s, the absence of wingtip fuel tanks and landing gear that was changed from straight-leg to a trailing-link design from the 1981 model year onwards. Production ended in 1985 after 1,901 aircraft had been delivered.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

The 421 was first certified on 1 May 1967 and shares a common [[type certificate]] with models [[Cessna 401|401]], [[Cessna 402|402]], [[Cessna 411|411]], [[Cessna 414|414]] and [[Cessna 425|425]].<ref name="A7CE">{{cite web|url = https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/A5C47D165AF0956586258518006BA0EB?OpenDocument&Highlight=a7ce|title = TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. A7CE Revision 47|access-date = 2009-11-05|last = Federal Aviation Administration|author-link = Federal Aviation Administration|date = March 2007}}</ref>

Some 421s have been modified to accept turboprop engines,<ref name="JAWA82 p455"/> making them very similar to the [[Cessna 425]], which itself is a turboprop development of the 421.<ref name="JAWA82 p352">{{Harvnb|Taylor|1982|p=352}}</ref>

==Design==
The 421 is an all-metal low-wing cabin monoplane with a retractable tricycle landing gear, and powered by two geared{{efn|The gearing means that rather than the driveshaft being directly connected to the propeller, it drives through a set of reduction gears.}} [[Continental O-520|Continental GTSIO-520-D]] engines, wing-mounted in [[tractor configuration]]. The cabin is accessed from a door, on the left hand side behind the wing, and has seating for six on the basic 421, or up to ten on later variants.

==Variants==
[[File:Cessna421BGoldenEagleC-GEGH01.jpg|thumb|Cessna 421B Golden Eagle with aftermarket RAM-modified engines]]
[[File:Cessna421BGoldenEagleC-GKOZ03.jpg|thumb|A Cessna 421B Golden Eagle, front view]]
[[File:Cessna421BGoldenEagleC-GKOZ01.jpg|thumb|A Cessna 421B Golden Eagle]]
[[File:1982-Cessna-421C.jpg|thumb|right|1982 Cessna 421C]]
;421
:Type approved 1 May 1967, powered by two [[Continental O-520|Continental GTSIO-520-Ds]] of {{convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} each, maximum takeoff weight {{convert|6800|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="A7CE" /> 200 built.<ref name="simpson130">{{Harvnb|Simpson|1995|p=130}}</ref>
;421A
:Type approved 19 November 1968, powered by two [[Continental O-520|Continental GTSIO-520-Ds]] of {{convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} each, maximum takeoff weight {{convert|6840|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="A7CE" /> 158 built.<ref name="simpson130" />
;421B Golden Eagle/Executive Commuter
:Eight-seat light passenger transport aircraft. Type approved 28 April 1970, powered by two [[Continental O-520|Continental GTSIO-520-Hs]] of {{convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} each, maximum takeoff weight {{convert|7250|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}, later models {{convert|7450|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="A7CE" /> 699 built.<ref name="simpson130" />
;421C Golden Eagle/Executive Commuter
:Model with new wing and landing gear. Type approved 28 October 1975, powered by two [[Continental O-520|Continental GTSIO-520-Ls]] or [[Continental O-520|Continental GTSIO-520-Ns]] of {{convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} each, maximum takeoff weight {{convert|7450|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="A7CE" /> 859 built.<ref name="simpson130" />
;Riley Turbine Rocket 421
:Conversion of Cessna 421 aircraft by fitting two [[Lycoming LTP101]] turboprop engines. Formal designation R421BL and R421CL for conversions of 421B and C respectively.<ref name="JAWA82 p455"/>
;Riley Turbine Eagle 421
:Conversion of Cessna 421C aircraft by fitting two 750hp [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]]-135 turboprop engines. Formal designation '''R421CP'''.<ref name="JAWA82 p455">{{Harvnb|Taylor|1982|p=455}}</ref>
;Excalibur 421
:Re-engined 421C with [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-135A]] or PT6A-112 turboprops, supplemental type certificate held by Excalibur 421 LLC of Paso Robles, California.<ref name=faasupp>{{cite web|title=FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SA1361SO|url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/86242e6409c8b49686257a4400607fa4/$FILE/SA1361SO.pdf|website=rgl.faa.gov|publisher=FAA|access-date=28 February 2015}}</ref> In 2013 it was announced that [[Aviation Alliance]] are acting as program managers for the Excalibur 421 upgrade programme.<ref name=prnewswire>{{cite press release|title=The Aviation Alliance Announces First Product Offering, Excalibur 421|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-aviation-alliance-announces-first-product-offering-excalibur-421-188044491.html|website=www.prnewswire.com|access-date=28 February 2015}}</ref>
;Advanced Aircraft Regent 1500
:Production of the Riley Turbine Eagle 421 conversion by [[Advanced Aircraft Corporation]].<ref name="jawa88 p321">{{Harvnb|Taylor|1988|p=321}}</ref>

==Military operators==
;[[File:Cessna 421 Golden Eagle Users.png|thumb|Map with nations whose militaries use the Golden Eagle]]{{BAH}}
*[[Royal Bahamas Defence Force]]<ref>{{harvnb|Hagedorn|1993|p=140}}</ref>
;{{BOL}}
* [[Bolivian Air Force]] at least one 421B was in use.<ref name="andrade27">{{harvnb|Andrade|1982|p=27}}</ref>
* [[Bolivian Army]]<ref>{{harvnb|Hatch|1987|p=42}}</ref>
;{{CAM}}
* [[Royal Cambodian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Penney|first=Stuart | title=World Air Forces 2001: Cambodia| magazine=[[Flight International]]|date= 27 November – 3 December 2001|page=39 |volume=160 |issue=4808 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2001/2001%20-%203767.html}}</ref>
;{{CIV}}
*[[Ivory Coast Air Force]]<ref name="andrade126">{{harvnb|Andrade|1982|p=126}}</ref>
;{{NZL}}
*[[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] three 421C.<ref name="andrade165">{{harvnb|Andrade|1982|p=165}}</ref>
**[[No. 42 Squadron RNZAF]]
;{{PAK}} 
*[[Pakistan Army]] at least one 421 in use.<ref name="andrade174">{{harvnb|Andrade|1982|p=174}}</ref>
;{{PHL}} 
*[[Philippine Army]] One unit 421B in service used for [[COMINT]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2022-news-aviation-aerospace/february/8196-philippine-army-welcomes-back-the-return-of-cessna-421b-golden-eagle.html | title=Philippine Army welcomes back the return of Cessna 421B Golden Eagle }}</ref>
;{{TUR}}
*[[Turkish Army Aviation]] at least three 421Bs in use.<ref name="andrade229">{{harvnb|Andrade|1982|p=229}}</ref>
;{{ZIM}}
*[[Air Force of Zimbabwe]] at least one 421A in use.<ref name="andrade346">{{harvnb|Andrade|1982|p=346}}</ref>

==Specifications (421C)==
[[File:Cessna 421 3-view line drawing.png|frameless|right|3-view line drawing of the Cessna 421]]
{{multiple image
 |total_width = 500
 | image1 = Cessna421CPilot.jpg
 | alt1 = Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, typical pilot's instrumentation
 | caption1 = Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, typical pilot's instrumentation
 | image2 = Cessna421CCoPilot.jpg
 | alt2 = Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, typical copilot's instrumentation
 | caption2 = Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, typical copilot's instrumentation
}}

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=[[Jane's All The World's Aircraft]] 1976–77<ref name="Janes 76 p272-32">{{Harvnb|Taylor|1976|pp=272–273}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=One or two
|capacity=Six passengers
|length m=
|length ft=36
|length in=4+5/8
|length sigfig=4
|span m=
|span ft=41
|span in=1+1/2
|span sigfig=4
|height m=
|height ft=11
|height in=5+3/8
|height sigfig=3
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=215
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=4501
|gross weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=7450
|fuel capacity={{convert|206|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} normal (usable capacity), {{convert|262|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} with optional wing tanks
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Continental O-520|Continental GTSIO-520-L]]
|eng1 type= turbocharged, fuel injected and geared [[flat-six]] engines
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=375<!-- prop engines -->

|prop blade number=3<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=McCauley [[constant-speed propeller]]s
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=256
|max speed note=at {{convert|20000|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed kts=240
|cruise speed note=at {{convert|25000|ft|m|abbr=on}} (75% power)
|range km=
|range miles=
|range nmi=1487
|range note=at {{convert|25000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, econ cruise speed
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=30200
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=1940
|more performance=*'''Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15m):''' {{convert|2323|ft|m|abbr=on}}
*'''Landing distance from 50 ft (15 m):''' {{convert|2293|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent
|related=
* [[Cessna 411]] (unpressurized predecessor to 421)
* [[Cessna 401]] (unpressurized, smaller-engine predecessor)
* [[Cessna 402]] (unpressurized, smaller-engine predecessor)
* [[Cessna 414]] (smaller-engine variant of 421)
* [[Cessna 425]] (turboprop variant of 421)
|similar aircraft=
* [[Aero Commander 500|Aero Commander 600/700-series]]
* [[Beechcraft Duke]]
* [[Beechcraft Queen Air]]
* [[Piper PA-31 Navajo]]
* [[Aero Commander 500|Aero Commander 690-series]]
* [[Piper PA-31T Cheyenne|Piper Cheyenne]]

|lists=
|see also=
}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
;Bibliography
* {{cite book |last=Andrade |first=John |title=Latin-American Military Aviation |location=Leicester, UK |publisher=Midland Counties Publications |year=1982 |isbn=0-904597-31-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Hagedorn |first=Daniel P. |title=Central American and Caribbean Air Forces |year=1993 |location=Tonbridge, Kent, UK |publisher=Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd |isbn=0-85130-210-6}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Hatch |first=Paul F. |title=World Air Forces 1987 |magazine=[[Flight International]] |date=28 November 1987 |volume=132 |issue=4090 |pages=36–106 |issn=0015-3710}}
* {{cite book|last1=Simpson|first1=R. W.|title=Airlife's general aviation : a guide to postwar general aviation manufacturers and their aircraft|date=1995|publisher=Airlife|location=Shrewsbury|isbn=978-1853105777|edition=2nd}}
* {{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1976-77 |year=1976 |publisher=Jane's Yearbooks |location=London |isbn=0-354-00538-3 |editor-last=Taylor|editor-first=John W. R.}}
* {{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1982-83 |year=1982|editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=John W. R.  |publisher=Jane's Publishing Company |location=London |isbn=978-0-7106-0748-5}}
* {{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89 |year=1988|editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=John W. R.  |publisher=Jane's Defence Data |location=Coulsdon, UK |isbn=0-7106-0867-5 }}

==External links==
{{commons category-inline|Cessna 421}}

{{Cessna 310 family}}
{{Cessna}}

[[Category:Cessna aircraft|421]]
[[Category:1960s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1965]]
[[Category:Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]