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Agricultural turbine aircraft

Cresco

Developed from the Fletcher with input from its operators, the Cresco carries big loads off short strips and was optimised for semi-prepared farm strips in hill country.

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Cresco is Latin for “I grow”. The design kept the Fletcher’s strength while fixing its shortcomings, without adding unnecessary weight. Tricycle gear and a rear-mounted hopper make it stable on sloping strips, with excellent forward visibility and good handling in gusty wind.

The Cresco is powered by a 750 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34AG with a fully reversible three-blade Hartzell propeller. Thirty-eight were built, and NZAero continues to support the fleet.

No longer in production. Fully supported by NZAero.

Cresco

Roles

  • Topdressing and spraying

    Around 30 tonnes per hour, a 27 m swath and a 1,900-litre hopper.

  • Firebombing

    Up to 900 litres per second and 24,000 litres per hour from unpaved strips near the fire.

  • Cloud seeding

    Large payload, a corrosion-resistant airframe and a climb to 14,000 ft in about 12 minutes.

  • Utility and skydiving

    One pilot and up to seven passengers, or twelve skydivers.

Development

  1. 1979

    The prototype flies on 28 February, the first turbine agricultural aircraft designed as such from the outset.

  2. 1981

    Certification as the 08-600 Cresco and start of production.

  3. 1992

    The 750 shp PT6A-34AG becomes the standard engine.

  4. 2002

    The highest production year, with seven aircraft.

Specifications

Cresco

Engine
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34AG, 750 shp
Seats
1 pilot + 7 passengers
Max. take-off weight
2,925 kg6,450 lb
Max. take-off weight (agricultural)
3,742 kg8,250 lb
Basic empty weight
1,338 kg2,950 lb
Max. hopper load
1,859 kg4,100 lb
Never exceed speed
325 km/h176 KIAS
Cruise speed
259 km/h140 KIAS
Stall speed
105 km/h57 KIAS
Range
675 km420 mi
Endurance
2.7 h
Fuel consumption
180 L/h48 US gal/h
Take-off to 15 m (50 ft)
325 m1,065 ft
Landing from 15 m (50 ft)
426 m1,398 ft
Rate of climb, sea level
475 m/min1,560 ft/min
Service ceiling
7,620 m25,000 ft
Wingspan
12.8 m42 ft
Length
10.9 m36.2 ft

Ready to talk about your operation?

Our European team answers sales enquiries in your time zone and connects you with the right specialist in New Zealand.

Email: sales@nzaero.euPhone: +48 607 697 657
Contact NZAero Europe