Cessna 401B

The Cessna 401B is a twin‑engine, pressurized light aircraft produced by the American manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company during the early 1970s. Introduced in 1970 as an evolution of the earlier Model 401 series, the 401B incorporated a more powerful version of the Continental IO-520‑D engines, delivering 300 horsepower each, and featured an upgraded interior with improved sound insulation and a larger baggage compartment. Its low‑wing design, all‑metal construction, and retractable landing gear gave the airplane a sleek profile and respectable cruise speeds of around 230 knots, while still maintaining a short runway capability suitable for regional airports. Over 200 units were built before production ended in 1978, when Cessna shifted focus toward the larger and more popular 421 and 425 models. The 401B’s combination of speed, range, and cabin comfort made it popular among corporate operators, air taxi services, and private owners who needed a reliable, twin‑engine platform without the operating costs of larger pressurized aircraft. Its legacy lies in demonstrating how a modestly sized pressurized twin could bridge the gap between piston‑single and turboprop markets, influencing later Cessna designs.