Cessna Crane

  • Period: Second World War (1939-1945)
  • Uses: Trainer
  • First Flight: March 1939
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

The Crane was developed as an inexpensive utility transport. In 1940 the RCAF ordered Cranes to supplement the Avro Anson for training pilots on twin-engine aircraft. It is said that this order ensured Cessna’s survival. The RCAF received a total of 826 Cranes, all of which operated as pilot trainers in Western Canada. The type continued in the RCAF service until 1947, after which many were sold to private operators.

The Crane had many nicknames, including “Wichita Wobbler”, and “Bamboo Bomber”. In American service it was called the “Bobcat”. The Jacobs radial engines were referred to as “Shakey Jakes”. Even though the Crane was not an ideal training aircraft, due in part to its poor single-engine performance and load-carrying capability, it adequately filled the training needs of its time.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 8676 (RCAF)
  • Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company Inc., United States
  • Manufacture Date: 1941
  • Construction #: 2226
  • Aquisition Date: 1964
  • Provenance: Transfer from RCAF

The Museum specimen was used for training or was in storage with the RCAF from January 1942 to 1962. It was transferred to the Museum in February, 1964.

Specifications

Wing Span:
12.8 m (41 ft 11 in)
Length:
10 m (32 ft 9 in)
Height:
2.8 m (9 ft 4 in)
Weight, Empty:
1,587 kg (3,500 lb)
Weight, Gross:
2,313 kg (5,100 lb)
Cruising Speed:
266 km/h (165 mph)
Max Speed:
298 km/h (185 mph)
Rate of Climb:
365 m (1,200 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
5,490 m (18,000 ft)
Range:
1,207 km (750 mi)
Power Plant:
two Jacobs L-4MB, 225 hp, radial engines