CESSNA 336/337 “SKYMASTER”/ “PRESSURIZED SKYMASTER”
1964’80
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| STANDARD DATA: (337) Seats 4-6. Gross wt. 4,630. Empty wt. 2,790. Fuel capacity 90-150. Engines two 210-hp fuel-injected Continentals. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 206. Cruise mph 194. Stall mph 70. Initial climb rate 1,100. Range 1,139. Takeoff distance (50') 1,675. Landing distance (50') 1,650. STANDARD DATA: (Pressurized) Seats 5. Gross wt. 4,700. Empty wt. 3,061. Fuel capacity 150. Engines two 225-hp turbocharged Continentals. STANDARD DATA: (T337) Seats 4-6. Gross wt. 4,500. Empty wt. 2,795. Fuel capacity 131. Engines two 210-hp turbocharged Continentals. |
The first Skymasters, the model designation 336, were a novel concept in that one engine was in front and other in the rear. This was an effort by Cessna to eliminate the asymmetric thrust problems that more conventional twins suffered in the event of an engine loss. These new airplanes were so unique that the FAA eventually created a new multi-engine rating for "centerline" thrust aircraft, a concept that the Cessna Skymaster originated.
A year into production, Cessna re-released the Skymaster 337 with more powerful engines and retractable gear. The following year turbocharging was added as an option, and pressurization became available in 1973. Both the standard and turbocharged Skymaster utilize the 210-hp engine; only the Pressurized Skymaster makes use of the 225-hp turbocharged Continental. For both 1975 and 1976, Skymasters offered improved range plus the addition of two new specially equipped IFR models, the Skymaster II and Pressurized Skymaster II. The "II" versions incorporated as standard equipment an extensive package of avionics and accessories usually ordered by owners. In 1976, flap extension speeds were reduced, and aerodynamics and soundproofing improved. The 1977 Skymaster was the first general aviation aircraft with a nose-mounted engine to be radarequipped. The Skymasters were fitted with a Bendix weather radar mounted in a fiberglass pod that is attached to the front and rear spars below the right wing.
The pod is located just outboard of the wing strut and in no way alters flight characteristics. Cessna also built more than 500 O-2s, a military version of the 337 used by the USAF as a Forward Air Control to search and mark targets for other aircraft to attack. Another military version of the 337, the FTB337 Milirole, was built in France.
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