Country of origin:

United States of America

Description:

Light utility aircraft

Power Plant:

(1979 Model)

One 172 kw (230 hp) Teledyne Continental O-470-U six-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine

Specifications:

History:

The Cessna 180 series of aircraft commenced production in February 1953 and continued until, like other single-engine Cessna models, it ceased in 1981 after some 6,193 examples had been built. Designed as a utility aircraft, with the prototype flying for the first time in 1952, the 180 series has been used extensively in this region for a variety of duties, including agriculture, floatplane, amphibian, and cattle mustering. It was also used as a general purpose light utility aircraft.

The prototype first flew on 26 May 1952 and was certified on 23 December that year with the 168 kw (225 hp) Continental O-470-A engine, but examples were also fitted with the O-470-J and O-470-K units. Models ranged through the 180 and 180A up to 180K, the latter being certified on 19 August 1976.

Like most aircraft in its category, the Model 180 was the subject of much development throughout its production life. The initial Model 180 was followed by Models 180A and 180B, with each new model showing minor refinements. These early models of this conventional tailwheel undercarriage high-wing monoplane were powered by a 168 kw (225 hp) Continental engine, but were otherwise similar to the Cessna 170.

The next model was the Model 180C with a new rear bulkhead, which appeared in 1960; followed by the Model 180D in 1961, which was similar; and the Models 180E and 180F with a new fuel system, which appeared in 1962 and 1963 respectively. The Model 180G, in 1964, was the first model with additional windows along the sides. Although the dimensions of the 180 series were altered by only 7.62 cm (3 in) over the years, a new model appeared in 1966 with seating for six persons and a slightly up-rated engine of 172 kw (230 hp).

The 180 series continued in production, retaining the same Continenal 172 kw (230 hp) engine as well as the conventional tailwheel undercarriage, which was more suitable for operations from rough fields. Unlike other Cessna aircraft, the 180 series retained the vertical fin in place of the swept fin, which was introduced on all other Cessnas except the Model 185, in 1960.

In 1977 the Skywagon 180 appeared as an addition to the range, with the high-compression Continental 172 kw (230 hp) Continental engine as fitted to the Cessna 182. This engine achieved its maximum power at 200 rpm less than the other engine, thus allowing an extra 80 km (50 miles) in range. In addition, take-off performance was improved. In 1979 wheel fairings were added as an option, and these raised both maximum and cruising speeds by one knot.

The 180 series could easily be converted from a six-seater to all-cargo, and later models had an 8.97 m³ (721 cub ft) cargo area. Some 85 examples of the series have been registered in Australia, and 64 in the New Zealand. A number of examples of the series in this region have operated as floatplanes and amphibians.

In 1964 a 1953 model (N1538C) was flown by Geraldine Mock around the world, this aircraft later being obtained and placed on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

The Cessna 180 series was used extensively by the Australian Army, with some 19 aircraft being obtained for general utility work. First aircraft was received in mid 1959 and they were initially operated by the Air Observation Post Flight (AOPF) based at Canberra, ACT replacing Austers. On 1 December 1960 No 16 Army Light Aircraft Squadron was formed at RAAF Amberley, QLD being equipped with Bell Sioux helicopters and Cessna 180s. The aircraft served in the support role of Army units, the Army taking over full control of the aircraft from the RAAF in December 1964, operations at that time being transferred to the Army base at Oakey, QLD.

First of the series was the Model 180A, these being: A98-336 (c/n 50336 – ex N5036E); A98-338 (c/n 50338 – ex N5038E); A98-340 (c/n 50340 – ex N5040E); A98-342 (c/n 50342 – ex N5042E); A98-343 (c/n 50343 – ex N5043E); A98-344 (c/n 50344 – ex N5044E); A98-350 (c/n 50340 – ex N5050E) and A98-351 (c/n 50351 – ex N5051E).

The next series was the Model 180D: serials A98-041 (c/n 51041 – ex N8641X); A98-042 (c/n 51042 – ex N8642X); A98-043 (c/n 51043 – N8643X); A98-044 (c/n 51044 – ex N8644X); A98-045 (c/n 51045 – ex N8645X); A98-046 (c/n 51046 – ex N8646X) and A98-063 (c/n 51063 – ex N8663X).

The Model 180E serials were: A98-144 (c/n 51144 – ex N2644Y); A98-146 (c/n 51146 – ex N2646Y); A98-148 (c/n 51148 – ex N2648Y) and A98-150 (c/n 51150 – ex N2650Y).

A total of nineteen aircraft was operated by the Australian Army. One (A98-351) was converted to a training aid in 1967; A98-338 crashed on 11 April 1963; A98-343 crashed at Bungendore, NSW on 29 June 1960; A98-342 crashed at Bankstown, NSW on 29 July 1959; A98-351 crashed at Laverton, VIC on 17 June 1966; A98-041 crashed at Thornton, QLD on 30 May 1962; A98-042 crashed at Toowoomba, QLD on 15 November 1964; A98-043, A98-044 and A98-146 were all destroyed at Nui Dat in South Vietnam during operations there on 29 August 1968, 10 May 1969 and 1 December 1969 respectively; and A98-046 crashed at Glen Davis, NSW on 18 January 1963.

After retirement the survivors were sold, most being placed on the Civil Aircraft Register, A98-336 becoming VH-TVC, later VH-HQA; A98-340 becoming VH-TVA; A98-350 becoming VH-TVD; A98-063 becoming VH-TVB; A98-144 becoming VH-PFT; A98-148 becoming VH-PFM and A98-150 becoming VH-AUT. A couple has been painted in their old military colour schemes and operated as private warbirds.

The type has also been used extensively in this region as a utility aircraft by a variety of operators and a number have been operated on floats on tourist flights. Many have been used in the agricultural role and in New Zealand they have been used by Mount Cook Airlines fitted with skis and flown onto glaciers.