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In July 1960, Cessna flew the prototype model 185 which was a strengthened 180 airframe using a 260hp Continental IO-470 engine. Externally it featured more windows and a taller tail with dorsal fin. With the rear bulkhead moved aft, it was capable of carrying six people. Deliveries began in 1961. Picking up the bush role of the 180, the aircraft was suitable for passenger, freight and utility work. |
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It could be fitted out as one, two, four, or six seat configuration - or with quick change seats. In addition to internal cargo, a 136kg (300lb) fibreglass cargo pack could be installed beneath the fuselage. The aircraft was fitted with skis, floats and spray equipment to carry out a variety of roles. In 1965 the aircraft (185E) was uprated with the 300hp IO-520 engine. |
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In 1963 the aircraft was selected by the USAF for supply to a variety of Air Forces (including Bolivia, Costa Rica, Laos, Nicaragua, Turkey, and South Vietnam) under the MAP scheme. Given the designation U-17, the U-17A was a model 185C, and the U-17B had the 300hp IO-520 engine. The U-17C reverted to the O-470L. Production amounted to 262 U-17A, 205 U-17B, and 7 U-17C. A number of countries (such as South Africa) purchased Model 180's and model 185's. |
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In 1971 Cessna introduced the Ag Carryall, which was a 185 derivative intended purely for the agricultural market. Its popularity was limited and only 108 had been built when production ceased in 1979. Production of the model 180 ended in 1981 with over 6,000 aircraft produced. Model 185 production ended in 1985 with over 4,300 having been built. |
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New Zealand operators have imported a number of model 180 and 185 aircraft. Initially popular in the topdressing role, 27 260hp model 185's and one 300hp aircraft (ZK-DCY) were modified to carry a locally designed hopper, and at least 4 AgCarryalls were imported. Both model 180's and 185's were superceded for Ag-work by the introduction of the model 188 Agwagon in 1965, and the growing Fletcher population. |
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The aircraft have also been well used for tourist work, and in the utility role. Of the 87 model 180's imported, 37 remain on the active civil register and 49 185's still feature on the register. Included amongst these is one (at least) of the ex-South Vietnamese U-17's, U-17B ZK-JGI (c/n 185-01989) based at Nelson.
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Technical Data Accommodation : 6 Dimensions Span : 10.92m (35'10ft) Length : 7.85m (25'9ft) Height : 2.36m (7'9ft) |
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Weight empty : 719kg (1,585lb) max : 1,519kg (3,350lb) Power Plant : 300hp Continental IO-520-D |
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JRLucariny |
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Performance : max speed : 286km/h (178mph) max climb : 1,010ft/min (5.1m/sec) ceiling : 17,150ft (5,230m) range : 1,730km (1,075miles) Link |
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Cessna A185E Skywagon 185 Scone (NSO / YSCO) Australia - New South Wales, October 4, 2003 |
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VH-DGL (cn 1851552) (Built 1970) taxiing home after topping up with motion lotion.
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