Cessna 421 Golden Eagle

The Cessna 421 Golden Eagle, introduced in 1965, is a twin‑engine, pressurized business aircraft that quickly became a staple for corporate travel and air‑taxi services. Developed from the earlier Cessna 401/402 series, the 421 featured a larger, more aerodynamic cabin, tricycle landing gear, and a pressurized fuselage that allowed comfortable cruising at 25,000 feet. Powered by two Continental TSIO‑520‑A engines delivering 375 hp each, the aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 240 knots and a range of roughly 1,300 nautical miles, making it competitive with contemporary light twins. Over its production run until 1985, more than 2,500 units were built, including variants such as the 421B and 421C, which incorporated upgraded avionics, increased fuel capacity, and improved noise reduction. The Golden Eagle’s reliability, ease of maintenance, and versatile performance earned it a reputation as a workhorse for charter operators and private owners alike. Its pressurization and comfortable interior set a new standard for business aviation, influencing later designs and cementing Cessna’s role as a leading manufacturer of efficient, high‑performance light aircraft. Today, many Golden Eagles remain active in flight schools, aerial survey work, and private fleets, a testament to the design’s enduring value and its impact on shaping twin‑engine aviation.

Cessna

Cessna 421 Golden Eagle

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