Cessna 421 Golden Eagle
Cessna · United States · first flew 1965 · light aircraft
The Cessna 421 Golden Eagle is a pressurised twin-piston business aircraft that represents the top of the Cessna piston twin range. It uses geared and turbocharged Continental GTSIO-520 engines to achieve high cruise speeds with a comfortable pressurised cabin.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.09 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin turbocharged GTSIO-520 engines with geared propellers
- Pressurised low-wing cabin twin
- Pointed propeller spinners on large-diameter propellers
Similar to the Cessna 414 Chancellor but larger; identified by the six-cylinder geared engine cowlings, retractable gear, pressurised fuselage with oval windows, and the characteristic Cessna low-wing planform.
Specifications
- The Cessna 421 Golden Eagle has a length of 11.09 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.53 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 412 km/h (256 mph).
- Typical crew: 1–2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Introduced in 1967, the 421 was developed from the earlier Cessna 411 and refined through the 421B and 421C variants. The 421C introduced a wet wing for increased fuel capacity and improved range.
Variants
Produced as the 421, 421A, 421B, and 421C; the 421C featured the redesigned wet wing and remained in production until 1985.
Where you'll see it
Popular with private owners, charter operators, and corporate flight departments in North America and worldwide; frequently seen at general aviation airports across the US.
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