The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for AC-208 aircraft and related equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $65.3 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 6, 2016.
The Government of Iraq requests to purchase two (2) Cessna AC-208 aircraft that include: dual rail LAU-131 Hellfire launcher capability on each wing, AN/ALE-47 electronic countermeasure dispenser, AN/AAR-60 Missile Launch Warning System, AN/AAQ-35 ElectroOptical Infrared Imaging System, contractor aircraft modifications, spare parts, publication updates, aircraft ferry, and miscellaneous parts. The estimated total case value is $65.3 million.
This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. This proposed sale directly supports Iraq and serves the interests of the people of Iraq and the United States.
Iraq originally purchased three (3) AC-208 and three (3) C-208 aircraft in 2008. The Cessna aircraft are used to support Iraqi military operations against al-Qaeda affiliate and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) forces. The purchase of two (2) additional aircraft enables the Iraqi Air Force to continue its fight against ISIL. Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support does not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor is Orbital ATK, Falls Church, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. or contractor representatives to Iraq.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. All defense articles and services are approved for release by our foreign disclosure office.
General characteristics of Cessna 208 Caravan
Crew: one or two
Capacity: nine passengers or 13 with FAR Part 23 waiver
Length: 41 ft 7 in (12.67 m)
Wingspan: 52 ft 1 in (15.88 m)
Height: 15 ft 1 in (4.60 m)
Wing area: 279 sq ft (25.9 m2)
Aspect ratio: 9.555
Airfoil: NACA 23000 Series
Empty weight: 4,558 lb (2,067 kg) (weight of typically equipped unit is 2127 kg/4690 lb)
Gross weight: 8,807 lb (3,995 kg) (maximum landing weight is 3856 kg/8500 lb.)
Fuel capacity: 335.6 gallon/2246 lb
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140 turboprop, 868 hp (647 kW)
Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell Constant speed, full feathering, reversible pitch, 8.8 ft 106 in (5.37 m) diameter
Performance
Maximum speed: 213 mph (343 km/h; 185 kn) true air speed
Cruise speed: 213 mph (185 kn; 343 km/h) true air speed
Stall speed: 70 mph (61 kn; 113 km/h) calibrated air speed
Never exceed speed: 201 mph (175 kn; 323 km/h) indicated air speed
Range: 1,240 mi (1,078 nmi; 1,996 km) with max fuel and reserves
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Rate of climb: 1,275 ft/min (6.48 m/s)
Wing loading: 31.49 lb/sq ft (153.7 kg/m2)