Cessna 408 SkyCourier Market Comparison

Earlier this morning, Cessna announced the launch of an entirely new, clean-sheet aircraft, the 408 SkyCourier:

A twin-engine, fixed-gear turboprop, the SkyCourier has already attracted an order of 50 aircraft and 50 options from FedEx. Although the aircraft is optimized for efficient cargo operations through the use of single-point refueling and a capacity of three LD3 shipping containers, it is also configurable for 19 passenger seats.

No price has been announced, but Cessna has released a limited number of performance specifications. I've compiled a comparison chart containing data from the Viking Twin Otter, the PZL/Sikorsky M-28, and the newly-launched PTDI N219:

All four aircraft above are either currently or will soon be in production. The initial data indicate that Cessna has chosen to sacrifice short-field runway capability in favor of increased range/payload numbers. This is logical, as FedEx places little value on pure STOL performance.

With such an established and widespread support network, the battle for this class of aircraft...in the US, at least...seems to be Cessna's to lose. Although PZL-Mielec was purchased by Sikorsky in 2007 and stands to benefit from their support network in the US, Cessna/Textron is certainly the leader in that respect.

Overall, the SkyCourier seems to fill a unique niche...that of a light turboprop emphasizing operating economy, range, and payload over STOL capability. Effectively amounting to a "Twin Caravan", this niche seems very legitimate and perhaps more importantly, unlikely to be directly challenged by competitors anytime soon.