Design and development

The first Cessna design built in any numbers was the Cessna Model A, a four-seater with a mixed wood and steel-tube construction with fabric covering. The aircraft was built in a number of variants fitted with different engines.^[1]

The prototype (Model AC) first flew in 1927 and the first production aircraft appeared in the following year.^[2]

Variants

Specifications (Cessna AA)

Data from Les Ailes, May 1928^[1]

General characteristics

Crew: Two pilots
Capacity: Two passengers
Length: 23 ft 9 in (7.23 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft 7 in (12.36 m)
Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
Wing area: 222 sq ft (20.6 m2)
Empty weight: 1,248 lb (566 kg)
Gross weight: 2,273 lb (1,031 kg)
Fuel capacity: 42 US gal; 35 imp gal (160 l)
Powerplant: 1 × Anzani 10 10-cylinder radial, 120 hp (89 kW)
Propellers: 2-bladed

Performance

Maximum speed: 115 mph (185 km/h, 100 kn)
Cruise speed: 100 mph (161 km/h, 87 kn)
Stall speed: 45 mph (72 km/h, 39 kn) minimum speed
Service ceiling: 7,005 ft (2,135 m)