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 404 Titan. Built under license from Cessna and incorporating significant French engineering, the F406 found its niche in specialized roles requiring endurance, reliability, and the ability to operate from shorter runways. With its distinctive high-wing configuration and twin Continental GTSIO-520 turbocharged piston engines producing 350 horsepower each, the type became particularly popular for maritime patrol, fisheries surveillance, environmental monitoring, and air ambulance work across Europe and beyond. The F406's pressurized cabin allows operations up to 25,000 feet, giving it genuine all-weather capability unusual for a piston twin in its class. Maximum cruise speed reaches approximately 230 knots, with endurance exceeding six hours on internal fuel—making it economical for long patrol missions where jet operating costs would be prohibitive. The aircraft's large cabin windows and excellent low-speed handling characteristics (stall speed around 59 knots with full flaps) make it ideal for observation work, while its rugged landing gear handles unpaved strips that would challenge more delicate turbine aircraft. Production ran from 1983 to 1985 with approximately 22 aircraft built before Reims Aviation ceased operations, making the F406 a relatively rare type today. The Scandinavian registration pattern of observed aircraft reflects the type's continued use in northern European government and commercial surveillance operations, where its combination of range, loiter capability, and operating economy remains competitive despite its age. SkyMeter has tracked 6 flights across 2 airframes and 1 operators, covering routes.