CESSNA 401/402

Derived from the Model 411, the Cessna 401 and 402 are essentially the same aircraft put to two different uses. The 401, introduced in 1966 and discontinued in 1972, was basically designed as a medium to light executive transport. The 402, introduced in conjunction with the 401 and in production until 1985, was intended for the third-level airline market and featured a cabin that was easily converted from cargo/utility to passenger seating. Both aircraft were aimed at owners/pilots who want to move up from the light twins to a somewhat heavier model. The 401/402 has excellent single-engine performance, yet can operate as a marginal small commercial feeder-type airliner. All versions are powered by twin 300-hp turbo-supercharged Continental engines, the smallest of all the 411 derivatives, turning three-blade constant-speed full-feathering propellers. The 402 was available in two versions: the Utililiner and the Businessliner. The former features a 10-place high-density seating arrangement for commuter operations. These seats can be easily removed for conversion to an all-cargo configuration. The Businessliner has six- to eight-place executive seating in a variety of arrangements. On late models, the cruise RPM of the turbo system powerplants was lowered to 75% power, which results in quieter operation. A propeller synchrophaser maintains propeller synchronization and controls blade phase angles engine-to-engine to reduce cabin sound level and vibrations.