Cessna 172 (Skyhawk)

History

The Cessna 172 is the most successful light aircraft in history, with 44,000 built since it entered series production in 1956 (and production continues to this day - 2018). The Type 172 was developed from the earlier Type 170, which appeared in 1948 as a single-engine shoulder-wing general aviation aircraft with fixed "tail-pull" landing gear in 5,174 examples.

The successor, the 172, was very successful in the general aviation market and in the military, and despite being introduced during the Cold War, it still "flies high" today (2018).

The Cessna 172 was developed as an improved version of the original 170 model. The series first flew in January 1955 as the "Type 170C", powered by a Continental O-300-A engine driving a twin-blade nose propeller unit. Both the empennage and elevator have been redesigned with increased surface area for increased stability and control. Further modifications (certified) of the C Model culminated in the legendary wheeled fixed tricycle landing gear common to today's 172 aircraft. The seats in the cabin allow four to five people, including the pilot.

The front positions are numbered two (side by side) and the remaining three are at the back (side by side). In this modified form, the aircraft first flew on June 12, 1955, and entered service as the "Type 172". The type immediately proved popular, with thousands made in the first few years alone.

During its lifespan, the Cessna 172 underwent an evolution with minor and major modifications to the line - increasing overall weight, aerodynamic efficiency, performance, ergonomics, and more. Modifications allowed the appearance of a seaplane/amphibious model, and this type was also accepted by the US Air Force as a flight trainer through the T-41 "Mescalero" variant (detailed elsewhere on this page). The Type 172A in 1960 introduced a modern swept rear wing, while the Skyhawk luxury package was introduced in the Type 172B in late 1960.

The 1968 Model 172I was the first to switch to a 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320-E2D engine (which added some performance figures).

Various other military powers soon adopted this type, heavily for land and sea service, to fill a plethora of roles. The Type 172 has since evolved into a more modern form (2018) while maintaining its versatility, reliability and popularity - making it ideal for student pilots and seasoned general aviation enthusiasts.

Cessna 172 as record holder

In 1958, a Cessna 172 was used to set an endurance record, the aircraft completed 64 days, 22 hours, 19 minutes, 5 seconds in flight starting and ending at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada . With some modifications and a very detailed flight plan, the plane and its two crew members were able to circumnavigate the globe in a light aircraft. The flight is still in the annals and records to this day.

Performance

The base 172R model has a cruising speed of 140 mph and a range of 800 miles. Service is capped at 13,500 feet with a climb rate of 720 feet per minute. Curb weight is 1,700 lbs and MTOW is 2,450 lbs. The Garmin 1000 Avionics Fit is an optional cockpit upgrade.

Dimensions include an overall length of 27 feet, a wingspan of 36 feet, and a height of 8.10 feet.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes