Number 47 of 100 in 100, the Cessna 177 Cardinal
Conceptualization:
The Cessna 177 Cardinal was developed initially to replace the popular Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Introduced in 1968, its design was shaped by the need for better visibility, more comfortable interiors, and improved aerodynamics. The cantilevered wing and all-flying stabilator set it apart, while its initial engine was underpowered, leading to performance concerns. Cessna addressed this by upgrading later models, solidifying the aircraft’s place in both training and personal aviation.
Original Design:
The Cardinal’s original design emphasized better visibility, handling, and comfort. Notable features include the aforementioned forward-mounted cantilevered wing, an all-flying stabilator for improved pitch control. These features made it suitable for both training and personal use, although its more sensitive handling characteristics, particularly during landing, required pilot attention. The 177RG, featured retractable landing gear and a more powerful Lycoming IO-360 200 hp engine, increasing its appeal for advanced pilots.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Allan Martins Antunes
Principal Designer:
The Cessna 177 Cardinal’s design was a collaborative effort by Cessna's internal engineering team, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation in light aircraft. The project was shaped by Cessna’s core philosophy of responding to pilot feedback and market needs, aiming to improve upon earlier models like the 172 Skyhawk. Cessna’s CEO, Dwane Wallace, played a significant role at the time. Wallace, a key figure in Cessna’s development of models like the 150 and 172, helped steer the company's focus on modern, efficient designs. The same team that worked on the Cardinal had experience with other successful projects like the 182 and 210, and the Cardinal’s cantilever wing and retractable gear innovations influenced these later models. The Cardinal reflects the collective expertise of Cessna’s experienced engineering team, continuing their legacy of aircraft innovation.
Production Run:
The Cessna 177 Cardinal’s production spanned from 1968 to 1978, a relatively short but significant period in Cessna’s history. The Cardinal featured modern design elements like a cantilever wing and sleek lines, but the original 150-horsepower engine proved underpowered, leading to a lukewarm market response. In 1969, the 177A model, equipped with a more powerful Lycoming O-360 180-horsepower engine, greatly improved performance and increased the aircraft’s appeal. The pinnacle of the Cardinal line came in 1970 with the introduction of the 177RG, which featured retractable landing gear and a 200-horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine, making it popular among advanced pilots and private owners seeking better performance for cross-country flights. However, by the mid-1970s, the Cardinal struggled to compete with the more affordable and easier-to-maintain Cessna 172, leading to a decline in sales. Cessna produced a total of 4,295 units of the Cardinal. The aircraft, while innovative, remained somewhat niche compared to the highly successful 172, and production ceased in 1978.
Evolution:
Throughout its production run from 1968 to 1978, the Cessna 177 Cardinal underwent several significant upgrades that addressed early performance criticisms and enhanced its market appeal. The original 1968 model featured a sleek design with a cantilever wing and better visibility but was underpowered with a 150-horsepower engine. In 1969, the 177A introduced a 180-horsepower engine, improving climb rates and overall performance, while the 177B had an improved wing airfoil, a constant-speed propeller, and upgraded interior comfort. The most notable advancement came with the 177RG, which featured retractable landing gear and a 200-horsepower engine, offering superior speed, performance, and efficiency. The RG model was particularly popular with pilots looking for a more complex aircraft. Over the years, Cessna continued to offer avionics upgrades, interior refinements, and minor aerodynamic improvements, making the Cardinal a versatile aircraft for both training and personal flying. Each variant addressed specific market needs, culminating in the 177RG, which provided more advanced capabilities for experienced pilots.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Thomas Brügge
Specifications:
Cessna 177B
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 3 passengers
- Length: 27 ft 8 in (8.43 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
- Height: 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)
- Wing area: 174 sq ft (16.2 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,495 lb (678 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,500 lb (1,134 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming-O-360-A1F6D air-cooled flat-4 engine, 180 hp (130 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 136 kn (157 mph, 252 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 124 kn (143 mph, 230 km/h)
- Range: 604 nmi (695 mi, 1,119 km)
- Service ceiling: 14,600 ft (4,500 m)
- Rate of climb: 840 ft/min (4.3 m/s)
Comparison to Other Aircraft in Its Class:
The Cessna 177 Cardinal competes with other popular four-seat, single-engine aircraft like the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Piper PA-28 Cherokee, and Beechcraft Musketeer. Compared to the Skyhawk, the Cardinal offers more power with its 180-hp engine (200 hp in the 177RG. The Cardinal’s cantilever wing design also provides superior visibility. However, its handling, due to the all-flying stabilator, can be less intuitive than the 172, and it was typically more expensive. Against the Piper PA-28 Cherokee, the Cardinal holds similar power and speed, but its high-wing design again offers better visibility, and its roomier cabin adds to comfort. In contrast, the Beechcraft Musketeer comes the Cardinal in power but generally underperforms in speed and handling. Overall, the Cardinal’s advanced features, particularly in the RG model, make it a faster, more modern aircraft, though its higher cost and more complex handling limited its market compared to simpler competitors like the 172.
Performance:
V-Speeds (177B)
- V_NE (Never Exceed Speed): 164 knots (189 mph)
- V_NO (Maximum Structural Cruising Speed): 124 knots (143 mph)
- V_A (Maneuvering Speed):
- 108 knots (124 mph) at max gross weight
- 93 knots (107 mph) at lighter weights
- V_FE (Maximum Flap Extended Speed): 85 knots (98 mph)
- V_S0 (Stall Speed in Landing Configuration, full flaps): 49 knots (56 mph)
- V_S1 (Stall Speed in Clean Configuration, no flaps): 55 knots (63 mph)
- V_X (Best Angle of Climb Speed): 65 knots (75 mph)
- V_Y (Best Rate of Climb Speed): 76 knots (87 mph)
- V_GLIDE (Best Glide Speed): 75 knots (86 mph)
- V_R (Rotation Speed): 60 knots (69 mph)
G-Load Limitations
- Normal Category (Standard Flight Envelope):
- Positive G-load: +3.8 Gs
- Negative G-load: -1.52 Gs
Performance Assessment:
The Cessna 177 Cardinal, approved for normal and utility category maneuvers, is well-suited for both pilot training and recreational flying. It can perform steep turns and stalls in both categories, and in the utility category, more advanced maneuvers like chandelles and lazy eights are allowed, making it a solid option for commercial training. The Cardinal’s all-flying stabilator enhances control during such maneuvers, while its cantilever wing improves visibility, important for navigation training. For personal flying, its low stall speed of 49 knots, moderate maneuvering speed of 108 knots, and efficient best glide speed of 75 knots provide safety and confidence, especially in emergency situations. Its performance, including a cruise speed of up to 124 knots and low fuel burn of around 9.5-10 GPH, makes it capable for cross-country trips. Its robust G-load rating of +3.8 Gs allows it to handle turbulence or aggressive control inputs safely. This makes the Cardinal versatile, providing a forgiving platform for students while also offering the advanced features experienced pilots seek for personal aviation and more complex flying environments.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Fanie Kleynhans
Safety Record:
The safety record of the Cessna 177 Cardinal is strong, though not without concerns. Early models faced issues related to underpowered engines and sensitive handling, particularly during landing and stall recovery. The all-flying stabilator required more precise control, leading to occasional incidents with inexperienced pilots. However, later models improved performance and handling, and the retractable gear version saw fewer issues related to pilot errors in handling complex systems. Overall, its safety record compares favorably with other aircraft in its class.
Acquisition Cost:
When first introduced, the Cessna 177 Cardinal had an acquisition cost of approximately $12,995, rising to around $17,500 for the improved 177A model. In today’s market, prices range from $90,000 for the 177A to over $150,000 for the more advanced 177B and RG models. Prices reflect both the aircraft’s vintage appeal and its continued value as a capable performer in personal and training aviation.
Conclusion:
The Cessna 177 Cardinal is recognized as a versatile and innovative general aviation aircraft. Introduced in 1968 with a cantilevered wing, spacious cabin, and excellent visibility, it improved on its predecessor, the Cessna 172, by offering more comfort and better performance. Early underpowered models were later refined with variants like the 177A and 177RG, which featured more powerful engines and retractable gear. These upgrades made the Cardinal popular for both training and personal flying. With approximately 4,295 units produced by 1978, the aircraft became known for its all-flying stabilator and advanced handling, though pilots needed to master its more sensitive controls. Today, the Cardinal holds value in the used market, with prices ranging from $90,000 to over $150,000 depending on the variant and is still favored by pilots for its blend of performance, style, and comfort.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Josh Frizzell
Bibliography:
Cessna (Textron Aviation) Company Official Website
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Airliners.net – Cessna 177 Cardinal
Wikipedia – Cessna 177 Cardinal
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