Reims Aviation F406 Caravan Ii

Twin Piston

The Reims F406 Caravan II is a twin-engine utility aircraft developed by French manufacturer Reims Aviation in the 1980s as a pressurized derivative of the Cessna 337 Skymaster push-pull design. Unlike its predecessor, the F406 features conventional wing-mounted engines and a sleek, business-like fuselage optimized for surveillance, maritime patrol, and light cargo roles. Its pressurized cabin and twin Continental TSIO-360 engines give it genuine all-weather capability and a service ceiling around 25,000 feet, unusual for a piston twin in this weight class. The type found its niche with government agencies, border patrol units, and specialized operators who needed an economical platform for long-endurance observation missions, and it remains one of the few pressurized piston twins purpose-built for tactical surveillance rather than executive transport. The F406's large cabin windows, underwing hardpoints, and nose-mounted sensor turret options made it a favorite for coastal patrol and fisheries enforcement, particularly in Europe and Africa. Though production ended in the 1990s after fewer than 100 airframes were built, the type continues to operate in small fleets worldwide, valued for its low operating costs and rugged simplicity. SkyMeter has tracked 89 flights across 13 airframes and 2 operators, with CELA SOKOL the largest observed operator.