The Cresco, (Latin for "I grow"), combines a short take off and landing performance with a large load carrying capability.  During development, feedback from operators of the Fletcher aircraft regarding areas in which the Fletcher was lacking was taken into account, however the strength of the original design was retained. Without compromising the ruggedness, and with a strong focus on ensuring that there was no additional weight in the aircraft, the Cresco emerged as a well loved aircraft optimised for operations off semi-prepared farm strips in hill country.

With its tricycle landing gear and rear mounted hopper the Cresco is unique in agricultural aircraft and, through this configuration, allows for safe operations off these sloping hill strips.  The Cresco has the advantage of forward visibility and wind gust capabilities lacking in tail dragger aircraft with forward mounted hoppers.

In other roles it is able to take a pilot and allows seating for up to seven passengers or twelve skydivers, and can get to 14,000 ft (4,267m) in 12 minutes.

Able to apply a wide range of product in various roles

Crop-dusting & Spraying

Application rate typically 30 tonnes per hour

Swarth width of 88 ft (27m)

Disposable load of 5,400 lbs (2,449 kg)

Working speed of 136 kts (240 kph)

Hopper capacity 500 USG (1900 litres)

Hopper outlet size 41" (1340 mm) wide

Will accept all standard dispersal and spray equipment

Rain Making / Cloud Seeding

Large payload capacity

Airframe resistant to corrosion from seeding material

Will climb to 14,000 ft (4,267m) in less than thirteen minutes

Firebombing

Discharge rate of up to 900 litres per second

Deliver 24,000 litres of water / fire retardant per hour

Quick change role equipment capable

Huge loading opening

Capable of operating off unpaved strips close to the fire site

Description

All metal semi monocoque construction, comprising of frames and longerons covered by pre-formed aluminium alloy skins.

Wing single spar cantilever construction with sheetmetal ribs covered by pre-formed aluminium alloy skins with the centre wing havin no dihedral and outer with 8 degree dihedral.

Dual side by side controls.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6-34 750 shp engine.

Low wing.

Fixed tricycle landing gear with a wide track and long stroke oleos designed for rough fields and providing a soft ride.

Rear mounted hopper independent of the fuselage.

Three-blade Hartzell fully reversible prop.

Superb visibility with the cockpit forward of the wing and hopper to the rear rather than in front.

No handling vices.

Cockpit environmental structure stressed to 25g.