by Steve Mackenzie

The Cessna 401 and 402 are a series of 6 to 10 seat, light twin-piston engine aircraft.[1][2] All seats are easily removable so that the aircraft can be used in an all-cargo configuration. Neither the Cessna 401 nor the 402 were pressurized. Cessna 401s and 402s are powered by 300 hp (224 kW) turbocharged Continental engines with three-bladed, constant speed, fully feathering propellers. On later models cruise power was limited to 75% to reduce cabin noise. The original Cessna 402 was introduced in 1967. A version without the large cargo door called the Cessna 401 was produced at the same time. In 1969, the 402's nose was stretched for added baggage space. This model was renamed the 402A. The 401 kept the original nose.

In 1979, the 402s received a new wing, with a 5 feet (1.5 m) greater span. The landing gear was replaced, using the simpler system from the Cessna 414. The landing gear track was also increased by 4 feet (1.2 m). The engines' output was boosted to 325 hp (242 kW) each and max gross weight increased to 6,850 pounds (3,110 kg), creating a much more useful airplane. Fuel capacity was increased to 213 US gallons (810 L). Even with the weight increase, single-engine performance improved and the stall speed decreased by a couple of knots. After this change, the plane was named the Cessna 402C. Production stopped after the 1985 model year. (text adapted from Wikipedia).

These Cessnas were used by many small local airlines. The ones I mentioned in the notes are just the ones I have saved images for, there are likely other users. Model wise, there are 1/72 resin kits made by both Gremlin Models and Air Cast Resin of various 401/402 versions. Artic Decals and Oldmodels Decals (NZ) both have decals for a number of users, but for the Aussie ones I think you are on your own.

VH-ANO

See Planespotters.net for the image of VH-ANO which operated with Air North plus likely others.

Profile of VH-ANO in a simple scheme of Gloss White overall with Med Blue titling. Black rego, tail logo is Black, Orange, Blue and White.

VH-ARJ

VH-ARJ also operated with local outfits such as Butler Airliness and Hardy Aviation.

Profile of VH-ARJ in a similar simple scheme of Gloss White overall with Light Blue and Black striping and spinners. Black rego and titling on fuselage. Tail logo is White and Black.

VH-ATY

VH-ATY is known to have flown with Air Transit plus likely others.

Profile of VH-ATY in a similar simple scheme of Gloss White overall with Dark Blue and Orange striping and logos. Black regos and titling. Natural Metal spinners.

VH-LAE

VH-LAE is known to have flown with Chartair, Goldfields Air Services and Rossair.

Profile of VH-LAE in a simple scheme of Gloss White overall with Red striping and fin tip. Black rego on fuselage. Tail lettering is Red. Natural Metal spinners. While the above image shows it as Grey overall, I have another image (not reproduced) where it is White, parts of which can be seen where the Grey is worn off.

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