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| STANDARD DATA: Seats 4-6. Gross wt. 2,800. Empty wt. 1,643. Fuel capacity 88. Engine 230-hp Teledyne Continental. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 170. Cruise mph 163. Stall mph 55. Initial climb rate 1,100. Range 903. Ceiling 17,700. Takeoff distance (50') 1,205. Landing distance (50') 1,365. |
Cessna's 180 represents another well-designed airframe that has withstood the test of time. Production deliveries of the 180 started in 1953, and it was produced through 1981 with several minor changes in design and increased engine power. Early models of this conventional-gear high-wing aircraft were powered by a 225-hp Continental engine but were otherwise similar to a Cessna 170. Although the dimensions of the 180 have been altered only a scant three inches, models since 1966 seat six persons. In 1956, a 230-hp powerplant was swapped for the original engine. The last 180s retain this engine as well as conventional gear for operation from short or rough landing strips. Also, the original vertical fin is still used in place of the sweptfin introduced on all other Cessnas (except the 185) in 1960.
The same high-compression powerplant used for the Skylane was also used for the Skywagon 180 in 1977. It achieves 230 hp at 200 RPMs less than before and adds over 50 miles to the airplane's range. In addition, takeoff performance is improved along with reduced sound levels. In 1979, wheel fairings were added as an option and were claimed to raise both maximum and cruise speeds by one knot. Both Skywagons can be converted quickly from six-place seating to provide more than 721 cu. ft. of cargo area. For agricultural uses, 1980 improvements included the option of a 151-gallon, fan-driven Sorenson spray system, deflector cable plus windshield, and landing-gear wire cutters. Also, the 20-degree flap speed was increased from 90 mph to 110 mph.
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