Cessna 401B

Cessna · United States · first flew 1968 · light aircraft

The Cessna 401B is the final production sub-variant of the Cessna 401, incorporating the latest equipment and interior refinements within the established 401 airframe. It differs from the 401A primarily in avionics options and interior appointments rather than significant structural or performance changes.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.92 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Light twin-engine business aircraft, 401 series
Retractable tricycle undercarriage, low-wing layout
Continental TSIO-520 turbocharged engines

Externally near-identical to the 401 and 401A — low-wing twin with retractable gear and twin Continental engines; distinguishing sub-variants in the field requires inspection of serial numbers or cockpit placards.

Specifications

The Cessna 401B has a length of 10.92 m (36 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.22 m (37 ft).
Its maximum speed is 397 km/h (247 mph).
Typical crew: 1–2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Cessna produced the 401B during the 1969–1972 model years before discontinuing the 401 line in favour of the 402 series for the commuter market. The 401B represented the maturation of the original 401 design with incremental improvements.

Variants

The 401B is the last of the three 401 variants (401, 401A, 401B); the 401 Businessliner was a specific interior package rather than a structural variant.

Where you'll see it

Used by business and charter operators primarily in North America; surviving examples continue in civil service as light twins.

Related aircraft

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