Cessna T303 Crusader

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T303 Crusader
Cessna crusader.jpg
Cessna T303 Crusader
RoleSix-seat twin engine cabin monoplane
National originUnited States
Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
First flightFebruary 14, 1978
Introduction1982
Number built297 [1]

The Cessna T303 Crusader is an American six-place light twin-engined aircraft built by Cessna Aircraft Company. Production ceased in 1986.

Contents

Design and development

The original Cessna 303 Clipper was first flown on February 14, 1978; [2] it was a low-wing four-seat Lycoming-powered twin-engined aircraft that would have competed with the Piper Seminole, Gulfstream American GA-7 Cougar, and Beechcraft Duchess. After market demand for four-place light twins declined, only one 303 Clipper was built before Cessna redesigned the aircraft as a six-seat twin. They also renamed the aircraft out of legal concern, since Pan Am Airlines held the trademark on the name "Clipper" in reference to their fleet aircraft.

The new model, designated the T303 Crusader first flew on October 17, 1979, with the first deliveries being made in October, 1981. The T303 is an all-metal low-wing six-seat twin-engined aircraft with a retractable tricycle undercarriage. At the time, it was the first all-new production twin built by Cessna in over a decade. With a declining market, only 297 [1] were built.

Examples were exported to Europe, with several still operating in the United Kingdom in 2012 and two flying in Goondiwindi, Queensland, Australia. Many are still flying in Colombia in air taxi and private operations.

Operators

Military operators

Flag of Haiti.svg  Haiti
Haiti Air Corps
Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala
Armed Forces of Guatemala

Specifications (T303)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83 [3]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

Notes
  1. 1 2 Aviation Consumer's Used Aircraft Guide
  2. Taylor 1982, p.346.
  3. Taylor 1982, pp. 346–347.
Bibliography

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