Cessna T303 Crusader
- CountryUnited States of America
- TypeSix seat corporate and utility transport
- PowerplantsTwo 185kW (250hp) Continental TSIO520AE turbocharged and fuel injected flat six piston engines driving three blade constant speed counter rotating McCauley propellers.
- PerformanceMax speed 400km/h (216kt) at 18,000ft, max cruising speed 363km/h (196kt), economical cruising speed 333km/h (180kt). Initial rate of climb 1480ft/min. Service ceiling 25,000ft. Range with max fuel and reserves at 71% power at 20,000ft 1658km (895nm), at economical cruising speed and 10,000ft 1890km (1020nm).
- WeightsEmpty 1526kg (3364lb), max takeoff 2336kg (5150lb).
- DimentionsWing span 11.90m (39ft 0.5in), length 9.27m (30ft 5in), height 4.06m (13ft 4in). Wing area 17.6m2 (189.2sq ft).
- CapacityNormal seating for pilot and five passengers with central aisle between seats. Can be configured with a club seating arrangement for four in the main cabin, or for aerial ambulance or freighter work.
- ProductionIn production between 1981 and 1985, 297 Crusaders were sold.
Cessna's Model 303 began life as a four seat twin, expected for the hotly challenged light transport and preparing part.
One four seat 303 was flown for a period from February 14 1978. Controlled by two 120kw (160hp) Lycoming O320 motors it would have gone up against the Beech Duchess, Grumman Ga7 (Cougar) and Piper Seminole. Notwithstanding, a reappraisal of business interest for airplane in this officially packed class prompted Cessna reconsidering the 303 outline, and the result was a bigger air ship. Rather the ensuing six seater air ship was planned to supplant Cessna's 310, then nearing the end of its generation life.
The new model, assigned the T303 for its turbocharged (and fuel infused) Continental Tsio520 motors, flew shockingly on October 17 1979. Certificate was allowed in August 1981, and first generation conveyances initiated in October 1981. For a period the T303 was named the Clipper, yet this was changed to Crusader as Panam held the rights to the Clipper name.
In its complete structure the T303 consolidated various progressed gimmicks, being the first altogether new cylinder twin from Cessna in over 10 years. Peculiarities included fortified structures around the fundamental fuel tank, a supercritical wing area and counter turning propellers, while standard supplies included basic airstairs and a full IFR flight suite (Cessna asserted the recent as a first for its class).
Just minor progressions were presented amid generation, including the expansion of against ice supplies as an alternative in 1982, and in 1983 the back lodge bulkhead was moved behind somewhat which expanded stuff space and permitted the expansion of a payload entryway.
Generation of the Crusader wound up in 1985 as a feature of the general decrease in light flying machine deals amid that period, ending rashly what looked to be a fruitful system. The undoing additionally put paid to gossipy tidbits that Cessna wanted to create all the more influential, pressurized, and turboprop controlled renditions of the flying machine.
Pictures of Cessna T303 Crusader
