10 Things You Didn’t Know about the Cessna 310
When it comes to the history of light-twin aircraft, the talk is not complete unless you mention the Cessna 310. Cessna introduced the 310 in late 1954, and had a successful life span of 28 years before its market share started to decline. During that period, its design was improved to enable it fly higher and carry more passengers.
Some of the improvements done included a change from pressure-carbureted engine to a turbocharged engine. Those changes also led to the manufacture of the larger 320 model in 1963, as well as forming the basis for the development of the pressurized 340. Those were not the only milestones and outstanding features of the 310, read on to find out more.
1. Array of Choices
The Cessna 310 is an old light aircraft that is now close to 60 years old. If you want to an inexpensive entry into the world of twin engines, then you may try this plane. However, you should be aware that the numerous changes it underwent in the course of its lifespan means there are many choices for you. Whichever choice you make, just remember that a bulky of your investment will go more to its maintenance than the buying price.
2. Some Models Cessna Are Pricey
The Cessna 310 models that Cessna made towards the end of its production lifespan are as pricey as other planes in its class, and sellers price them according to their capabilities. The most expensive Cessna models are those powered by the IO-470 Continental variants.
3. Increase in Horse Power
Unlike other aircraft models that increase the amount of power for their planes with time, the 310 did not receive major a boosts in its power. Cessna increased the engine power by only 45 hp a side during its entire lifespan. That is quite a small increase when you compare it to the Beech light twin, which started with a 180 horsepower Lycomings engine and ended up with the 380 horsepower 56TC.
4. Tuna Tanks
The Cessna 310 has fuel tanks shaped like a fish at the tip of its wings. It is their shape led fans to refer to them as Tuna tanks. The tanks have a minimum capacity of 50 gallons each, and they became a hallmark for the twin Cessna.
5. Stabila Tips
The canted tanks referred to as the Stabila Tips first came with the 1963 G model. Cessna created the design to increase the plane’s lateral stability by providing the wings with additional dihedral. Many believe they plane needed it, thanks to the 300 pounds of aviation gas loaded on the extreme ends of the wing.
6. Swept Vertical Fin
Cessna introduced the swept vertical fin in the late 1950s, and the early 1960s, which replaced the upright tail that was used in the 1959 model. As you may have guessed, the Fin can help you to tell the Cessna’s age.
7. The Nose
The nose of the Cessna 310 increased in length, in a Pinocchio-like manner throughout its production lifespan. It made its biggest leap in the 1975 R model, which is the longest the Cessna has had since.
8. Cabin
The cabin size has increased from a 5-seater to a 6-seater when the 1963 310H was introduced. After 1063, Cessna lengthened the windows as time went by and more people liked it as a light twin passenger aircraft.
9. Exhaust Plumbing
Corrosion affected many early 310s at the wing skins and aft spar because of the exhaust gasses passing through the wing structure. The use of exhaust gases to pulsate the augmenters to create a suction of cool air did that because of their corrosive nature. Many new owners of the older 310s may not notice it during the pre-purchase inspection, but feel they got a raw deal when they finally get to see the rust.
10. Turbocharged 310s
If you want speed, then you have to buy the turbocharged 310, which show a speed of 198 knots, at a height if 10,000 feet, when set at 74 percent and 31 gph. Under the same settings and a height of 20,000 feet, they speed increases 220 knots.
The Cessna 310 Excelled
Overall, the Cessna 310 is among the most successful aircraft models in the recent past. It has traversed the skies of almost every sovereign nation in the world. It design gave buyers true value for their money, while allowing them to make use of small airstrips. Overall, it made it possible for small business to own better and efficient smaller planes. We hope that you found this article to be informative and engaging.