Cessna 308

The Cessna 308 was a prototype military light transport aircraft based on the successful O-1 Bird Dog (Cessna 305) observation aircraft. Only one aircraft was completed, and the project did not proceed further due to a lack of orders.[1]

Cessna 308
Role Military light transport
National origin United States
Manufacturer Cessna
First flight July 1951
Primary user United States Army
Number built 1
Developed from Cessna O-1 Bird Dog

Development

The Cessna 308 was conceived as an enlarged model 305 that would carry four people for the military light transport role and was developed in response to a US Army requirement.[1]

The resulting design was first flown in July 1951. While the aircraft was based on the model 305, it incorporated a four-place cabin similar to the then current production Cessna 170. The prototype was powered by a Lycoming GSO-580 geared, supercharged, eight-cylinder engine, producing 375 hp (280 kW). The prototype featured a 47 ft (14 m) wingspan, taildragger landing gear and a 4,200 lb (1,905 kg) gross take-off weight. In trials the 308 proved capable of operating from rough fields carrying a 1,000 lb (454 kg) payload, with a range of 695 nmi (1,287 km).[1]

The US Army chose the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver for the intended light transport role putting it into service as the L-20A. As a result, development of the Cessna 308 was not continued beyond the completion of a single prototype.[1]

Specifications (Cessna 308 prototype)

Data from The Cessnas that got away[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity:
    • 3 passengers
    • 1,000 lb (450 kg) cargo
  • Wingspan: 47 ft 0 in (14.33 m)
  • Gross weight: 4,200 lb (1,905 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming GSO-580 , 375 hp (280 kW)

Performance

  • Range: 800 mi (1,287 km, 695 nmi)

References
  1. Murphy, Daryl (2006). "The Cessnas that got away". Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved December 22, 2008.
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