Cessna T-50

Information and specifications

Role Twin engine trainer, five seat light transport
Country of Origin United States of America
Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
First Flight 26 March, 1939
Total production(units) Over 5400
Primary users Royal Canadian Air Force

United States Navy

United States Army Air Force

Status Restored as antiques
Variants AT-8, AT-17, JRC-1
Length 32 feet 9 inches
Height 9 feet 11 inches

Cessna T-50
Cessna T-50

Picture 1: upload.wikimedia.org

Cessna T-50 Pictures
Cessna T-50 Pictures

Picture 2: upload.wikimedia.org

Design and Development

American manufacturer Cessna developed the first T-50 with wood, tubular steel and fabric covering in 1939. It had electrically actuated retractable primary landing gear and winged trailing edge flaps. Spruce spar beams were laminated containing spruce and the plywood ribs. Its fuselage was designed for accommodating two or may be three crew members. Non steerable full swiveling fixed tail wheel is also present. The military was looking out for existing aircrafts with double engines for serving as multi engine trainer. This was to fulfil the additional needs of different services.T-50 suited nicely as it wasn’t using many metals required for bombers and air fighters.

Cessna T-50 Flying
Cessna T-50 Flying

Picture 3: cessnat50.org

Cessna T-50 Images
Cessna T-50 Images

Picture 4: upload.wikimedia.org

Purpose

These were used as multi engine advance trainers by United States Army Air Corps. They performed other duties in war period apart from training. US military by the time World War II was over had 4600 units out of which 67 went to US Navy designated JRC-1s. RCAF had 822 units as Crane Is out of which many were used for British Commonwealth Air Training plan.  It was minimally used during the post war military period in North America.  The US Air Force had some of these aircrafts in September 1947 when it was established. Remaining military aircrafts were announced as obsolete in the year 1949.

Cessna T-50 Photos
Cessna T-50 Photos

Picture 5: upload.wikimedia.org

History

Variant AT-17 aircraft was built as double engine trainer. Produced in United States, it was operational during the Second World War.  This was specifically in use to settle the gap that occurred between double engine combat aircraft and single engine trainers. AT-17 model was strengthened by the presence of double radial piston engines Jacobs R-755-9.  Moreover, T50 was the real commercial version out of which the AT-17 was made. The T-50 for its multiple utility was particularly designed for training and military services. A low cost carrier, it was suitable for short hops, take offs and landings.  Along with this model, the UC-78 was also a simple to fly aircraft that carried personnel, miscellaneous cargo, etc.

Cessna T-50 Cockpit Pictures
Cessna T-50 Cockpit Pictures

Picture 6: c1.staticflickr.com

Cessna T-50 Cockpit
Cessna T-50 Cockpit

Picture 7: classicwarbirds.net

Modern Day

In the mid 50’s, this aircraft was seen in the television series called Sky Ring. Models like UC-78 and AT-17 were converted and also functioned upon floats. During the 1970’s, the total number of airworthy units was doubtful and they were considered obsolete due to the emergence of modern ones. Many aircraft fans and enthusiasts have restored these as antique pieces. The FAA registered database in August 2009 had the list of the main model and variants. Nationalist Chinese and Brazilians also used it in post war period.

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