Cessna 177 Cardinal

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Type: Civilian

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Information on the 177 Cardinal

The Cessna 177 Cardinal is a light, high-wing general aviation aircraft that was intended to complement and later replace the Cessna 172. First announced in 1967, it was produced from 1968 to 1978.

Background

The Cessna 177 was designed in the mid-1960s by asking the engineers at Cessna to create a "futuristic 1970s successor to the Cessna 172". The new aircraft featured newer technology and a cantilevered wing with a laminar-flow airfoil.

The 1968 model 177 was initially underpowered with only 150 hp. It had other problems such as a tendency to experience tail stalls. Compared to the 172, it sold relatively poorly. The 177A was a 1969 revision with 180 hp that moved the design's price and role somewhere between that of the 172 and 182. 1970 saw the introduction of the 177B, which had a new wing airfoil, a constant-speed propeller, and other minor improvements.

The final version in the 177 line was the retractable-gear 177RG, which Cessna began producing in 1971 as a direct competitor to the Piper PA-28-200R Cherokee Arrow and Beechcraft Sierra. The RG also had a 200 hp engine to offset the hydraulic gear's extra weight. The models built after 1971 were far better than the earlier models, but by then the Cardinal had a poor reputation and did not sell well. While not a failure, the 177 was not a success by Cessna's standards, and both the 177B and 177RG ceased production in 1978. The model's higher price and minor quirks — like larger cabin doors which gusts could catch when opened in a following wind — allowed the 172 to retain its popularity in the general aviation market.

Today both the 177 and 177RG are considered desirable aircraft to own, mostly because of the large doors which offer easy entry, reasonable performance, active owners groups and the aircraft's attractive looks.

The Cessna 177 and 177RG family of aircraft are supported by several active aircraft type clubs, including the Cardinal Flyers Online and the Cessna Pilots Association.

Source: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Cessna 177".

177 Cardinal Specifications

Cessna 177
Passengers: 3
Max takeoff weight: 1067 kg (2350 lb)
Empty weight: 608 kg (1340 lb)
Max range: 1215 km (655 nm)
Max. Speed: 227 km/h (123 kt)
Cruising speed: 210 km/h (113 kt)
Length: 8.22 m (27' 0")
Wingspan: 10.85 m (35' 8")
Tail height: 2.77 m (9' 1")
Powerplants: 110 kW (150 hp) Lycoming O-320-E2D

Cessna 177-B Passengers: 3
Max takeoff weight: 1135 kg (2500 lb)
Empty weight: 680 kg (1495 lb)
Max range: 1120 km (604 nm)
Max. Speed: 250 km/h (136 kt)
Cruising speed: 230 km/h (124 kt)
Length: 8.44 m (27' 8")
Wingspan: 10.82 m (35' 6")
Tail height: 2.62 m (8' 7")
Powerplants: 135 kW (180 hp) Lycoming O-360-A1F6D

Cessna 177-RG
Passengers: 3
Max takeoff weight: 1270 kg (2800 lb)
Empty weight: 800 kg (1671 lb)
Max range: 1657 km (895 nm)
Max. Speed: 290 km/h (156 kt)
Cruising speed: 271 km/h (146 kt)
Length: 8.31 m (27' 3")
Wingspan: 10.82 m (35' 6")
Tail height: 2.62 m (8' 7")
Powerplants: 150 kW (200 hp) Lycoming IO-360-A1B6