Cessna's first foray into the 8 seat cabin twin market came in the form of the Cessna 411.1 it was intended to provide direct competition to the then class-leading Beech queen Air.1 The 411 was far advanced from the queen Air in its lighter weight, small proportions and higher speed.1 The first prototype 411 took off in 1962 and featured 2 prop blades and direct drive engines.1
The 411 was first delivered in 1964.1 It was offered with optional features suitable for the corporate market such as folding tables, toilets, and snack station.1 The 411 led to the spin off of the 411 A in 1967.1 The 411A was lighter and featured more efficient propellers and additional fuel capacity was an optional feature.

Shortly after this, the 411 was outmoded and replaced by the 401 and 402.1 Both of these models were even lighter and more powerful with their direct drive engines, and they were significantly less costly to operate.1 The 401 and 402 were nearly identical models but the 401 was geared for corporate use with less seating.1

The 402 was designed to be more suitable for cargo and freight.1 Both models developed into various versions which each feature small alterations such as the 402A which featured a longer nose, square windows, and a 10th seat option.

By 1972 the 402 had totally replaced the 401 and was then being offered in a Businessliner corporate layout or a Utililiner version for convertible passenger and freight uses.1 In 1978 the 402C was released and it featured longer wings and more powerful engines.