2008 Quest Kodiak 100 Amphibian Aircraft N493KQ (sn 1000003) Photo taken July 28, 2010 Oshkosh (EAA AirVenture Seaplane Base), WI - USA (OSH / KOSH) Photo © Marcel Siegenthaler

The Quest Kodiak is a high-wing, un-pressurized, turboprop-powered fixed-tricycle-gear, built by Quest Aircraft Company and suitable for humanitarian applications in unimproved areas. A skydiving version has been certificated.

The Kodiak bears a strong resemblance to the Cessna Caravan, but it is significantly smaller and lighter than the Cessna, intended more for the utilitarian market, although an executive interior, the "Summit package" with club seating, is planned for introduction in summer 2009.

Quest Kodiak 100 N497BH (sn 100-0018) Picture taken Nov. 06, 2010 Sebring Regional Airport, FL - USA (SEF / KSEF) Photo © Marcel Siegenthaler

2008 Quest Kodiak 100 N708 (sn 100-0007) Operated by Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Photo taken June 05, 2010 Inuvik Airport, NT - Canada (YEV / CYEV) Photo © Marcel Siegenthaler

Development

Large contributors to the Kodiak's STOL performance are a fixed, discontinuous leading edge on the outboard wing and the high performance Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turboprop engine of 750 hp (559 kW).

Passenger seats in the Kodiak are track-mounted, making them easily removable when cargo is to be carried. It has standard access doors for pilot and co-pilot positions, with a large 48.5" x 50" clamshell door in the aft fuselage for cargo loading or for access to the other eight passenger positions (the lower half of the clamshell door has automatically extending/retracting steps).

Specifications

General characteristics
Crew: 1
Capacity: 9 passengers
Payload: 284 cu ft (no passengers)
Length: 33.4 ft
Wingspan: 45.0 ft
Height: 15.4 ft
Wing area: 240 sq ft
Empty weight: 3,770 lb (1,710 kg)
Useful load: 3,535 lb (1,603 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 7,255lb (3,290 kg)
Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turboprop, 750 hp takeoff, 700 hp continuou
Propellers: Hartzell four-blade, full-feathering, reversible propeller, 1 per engine
Propeller diameter: 96 in

Performance
Maximum speed: 183 KIAS
Stall speed: 77 knots no flaps, 59 knots (109 km/h) full flaps
Range: 1,032 nautical miles at 12,000 ft (3,700 m), 179 knots (332 km/h)
Endurance: 5.9 hours at 10,000 ft (3,000 m), high-speed cruise
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft
Wing loading: 28 lb/sq ft