Introduction
Cessna Aircraft Company stands as one of the most prolific and enduring aircraft manufacturers in aviation history. From Clyde Cessna's first monoplane in 1917 to today's sophisticated business jets and utility aircraft, Cessna has produced over 200,000 aircraft across more than 100 distinct models—more than any other general aviation manufacturer. This comprehensive production history examines the complete Cessna catalog, from pioneering racers and trainers to the legendary Skyhawk and Citation jet family that continue to define their respective market segments a century later.
The Pioneer Era: Clyde Cessna's Vision (1917-1935)
Cessna Comet (1917)
First Flight: 1917
Number Built: 1
Type: Single piston engine monoplane sport plane
The Cessna Comet represents the genesis of one of aviation's greatest success stories. Built by Clyde Cessna himself in 1917, this single monoplane established the design philosophy that would define the company: practical, efficient monoplane construction at a time when biplanes dominated aviation. Though only one was built, the Comet proved Cessna's vision and engineering skill.
Cessna Model A (1927)
First Flight: 1927
Number Built: 70
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Model A marked Cessna's entry into commercial production with 70 aircraft built. This rugged utility monoplane established Cessna Aircraft Company as a legitimate manufacturer and demonstrated the market viability of Clyde Cessna's monoplane designs.
Cessna Model BW
Number Built: 13
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Model BW continued Cessna's early production with 13 aircraft, refining the utility monoplane formula for the growing private aviation market of the late 1920s.
Racing Heritage: The CR Series (1930-1933)
Cessna's racing program demonstrated the company's engineering prowess and generated publicity that enhanced the brand's reputation.
Cessna CR-1: Single example built, initiating Cessna's racing program
Cessna CR-2 (1930): One aircraft built, continuing racing development
Cessna CR-3 (1933): Final racing variant, single example built
Though produced in minimal numbers, these purpose-built racers showcased Cessna's ability to extract maximum performance from monoplane designs, winning races and setting records that brought attention to the company's engineering capabilities.
Depression-Era Development (1928-1935)
Cessna CW-6 (1928): Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Cessna DC-6 (1929): Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Cessna Model EC-1: 2 aircraft built
Cessna Model EC-2: 2 aircraft built
These limited-production models represented Cessna's struggle to maintain operations during the Great Depression, with small production runs serving a severely contracted aviation market.
The Airmaster Era: Refinement and Growth (1935-1945)
Cessna C-34 Airmaster (1935)
First Flight: 1935
Number Built: 42
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The C-34 Airmaster marked Cessna's return to prosperity with a refined, elegant design that appealed to business and private pilots. With 42 aircraft built, the Airmaster established the template for Cessna's future success: reliable, efficient, and practical aircraft with excellent performance.
Airmaster Variants
Cessna Model C-37: 46 aircraft built
Cessna Model C-38: 16 aircraft built
Cessna Model C-39: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Cessna Model C-145: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Cessna Model C-165: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
These Airmaster variants explored different engine and equipment configurations, with the C-37 achieving the highest production at 46 units.
Cessna T-50 (1939)
First Flight: 1939
Number Built: 5,422
Type: Twin piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The T-50 "Bobcat" became Cessna's first mass-produced aircraft with 5,422 units built, primarily for military training during World War II. This twin-engine trainer served the U.S. Army Air Forces, Royal Canadian Air Force, and other Allied air forces, establishing Cessna as a major military contractor and providing the production experience and capital that would fuel post-war expansion.
Wartime Projects
Cessna CG-2: Glider development
Cessna P260 (1943): 2 twin piston engine monoplane cargo aircraft built
The Post-War Revolution: Birth of the Modern Cessna (1945-1960)
The 120/140 Series: Democratizing Flight (1945-1946)
Cessna 140 (1945): Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Cessna 120 (1946): Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The 120 and 140 models launched Cessna's post-war strategy of providing affordable, reliable aircraft to the masses. These simple, economical two-seaters introduced thousands of veterans and civilians to aircraft ownership, establishing Cessna's dominance in the light aircraft market.
Cessna 170 (1948)
First Flight: 1948
Number Built: 5,174
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The four-seat Model 170 with 5,174 aircraft built became the foundation for Cessna's most successful design: the tricycle-gear 172 Skyhawk that would follow.
Cessna O-1 Bird Dog (1949)
First Flight: 1949
Number Built: 3,431
Type: Single piston engine monoplane observation airplane
The O-1 Bird Dog military observation aircraft achieved remarkable success with 3,431 units built. Serving in Korea, Vietnam, and numerous other conflicts, the Bird Dog demonstrated Cessna's ability to meet military requirements while maintaining the simplicity and reliability that defined the brand.
The Legendary Skywagon: Model 180 (1952)
First Flight: 1952
Number Built: 6,193
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Model 180 Skywagon with 6,193 aircraft built became the workhorse of bush flying, serving remote regions worldwide. Its rugged construction, powerful engine, and conventional gear made it ideal for operations from unprepared strips.
The Twin Revolution: Model 310 (1953)
First Flight: 1953
Number Built: 5,449
Type: Twin piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The sleek Model 310 with 5,449 units built established Cessna in the light twin market, offering business travelers speed, comfort, and twin-engine safety in an elegant package.
The Golden Age: Skyhawk, Skylane, and Market Dominance (1955-1970)
Cessna 172 Skyhawk (1955)
First Flight: 1955
Number Built: 44,000+
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk stands as the most successful aircraft design in history with over 44,000 units produced and still in production today. This four-seat trainer and personal aircraft has introduced more people to flying than any other airplane. Its forgiving handling, reliability, and versatility made it the standard against which all other trainers are measured. The 172 remains in production over 70 years after its introduction—an unprecedented achievement in aviation.
Cessna 182 Skylane (1955)
First Flight: 1955
Number Built: 23,237+
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Model 182 Skylane with over 23,237 aircraft built offered more power and capability than the 172, becoming the preferred choice for serious cross-country flying and light cargo work. Like the 172, the 182 remains in production today.
Cessna 175 Skylark (1956)
First Flight: 1956
Number Built: 2,106
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The 175 Skylark with 2,106 units built explored the market between the 172 and 182, featuring a geared engine that proved less popular than conventional powerplants.
Cessna 150 (1957)
First Flight: 1957
Number Built: 23,839
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The two-seat Model 150 with 23,839 aircraft built became the world's most popular trainer, offering economical operation and gentle handling characteristics perfect for student pilots.
Cessna 210 Centurion (1957)
First Flight: 1957
Number Built: 9,240
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The retractable-gear Model 210 Centurion with 9,240 units built offered single-engine performance approaching light twins, becoming popular for business and personal transportation.
Cessna 185 Skywagon (1960)
First Flight: 1960
Number Built: 4,400+
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Model 185 Skywagon with over 4,400 aircraft built offered even more power and capability than the 180, becoming the ultimate bush plane for extreme operations.
Cessna 336/337 Skymaster (1961)
Cessna 336 Skymaster (1961): 197 aircraft built
Cessna 337 Skymaster: Twin piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Type: Twin piston engine monoplane utility airplane with centerline thrust
The unique push-pull twin configuration eliminated asymmetric thrust concerns, making twin-engine flying safer and easier. The 336/337 series found favor with pilots seeking twin-engine capability without complex engine-out handling.
Cessna 177 Cardinal (1966)
First Flight: 1966
Number Built: 4,295
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Model 177 Cardinal with 4,295 aircraft built featured a cantilever wing and modern styling, though it never achieved the popularity of the strutted-wing 172 and 182.
Expansion and Diversification (1965-1980)
Agricultural Aviation: Model 188 (1965)
First Flight: 1965
Number Built: 3,976
Type: Single piston engine monoplane agricultural airplane
The Model 188 AgWagon/AgTruck/AgCarryall/AgPickup/AgHusky series with 3,976 aircraft built established Cessna in the agricultural aviation market, serving crop dusters and sprayers worldwide.
Utility Aircraft Expansion
Cessna 190/195: Single piston engine monoplane utility aircraft
Cessna 205: 576 aircraft built
Cessna 206: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Cessna 207: 626 aircraft built
These larger utility aircraft served bush operators, air taxi services, and cargo operators requiring maximum payload and versatility.
Twin-Engine Growth
Cessna 320 Skyknight: 577 aircraft built
Cessna 335: 65 aircraft built
Cessna 340 (1970): 1,298 aircraft built, pressurized cabin twin
Cessna 401 (1965): Twin piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Cessna 402: Twin piston engine monoplane utility airplane
Cessna 411 (1962): 302 aircraft built
Cessna 414 (1968): 1,070 aircraft built
Cessna 421 Golden Eagle (1965): 1,916 aircraft built
This family of cabin-class twins dominated the light twin market, offering pressurization, comfort, and performance for business transportation.
Cessna 404 Titan (1975)
First Flight: 1975
Number Built: 396
Type: Twin piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The utilitarian Model 404 Titan with 396 aircraft built served commuter airlines and cargo operators with its large cabin and rugged construction.
The Jet Age: Citation Revolution (1969-Present)
Cessna 500 Citation I (1969)
First Flight: 1969
Type: Twin jet engine monoplane business airplane
The original Citation launched Cessna into business jet manufacturing, pioneering the concept of an affordable, easy-to-fly jet for owner-pilots and small corporations. The Citation's straight wing and docile handling made jet flying accessible to pilots transitioning from piston twins.
Cessna 501 Citation I/SP
Number Built: 303
Type: Twin jet engine monoplane business airplane
The Citation I/SP variant with 303 aircraft built refined the original Citation formula.
The Citation Family Expands
Cessna 525 CitationJet (1991): Over 2,000 aircraft built, becoming the best-selling light business jet
Cessna 550 Citation II (1977): Twin jet engine monoplane business airplane
Cessna 551 Citation II/SP: 94 aircraft built
Cessna S550 Citation S/II (1984): 145 aircraft built
Cessna 560 Citation V (1987): 774 aircraft built
Cessna Citation 560XL Excel (1996): Over 1,000 aircraft built
Citation III: The Game-Changer (1979)
Cessna 650 Citation III (1979): 202 aircraft built
Cessna 650 Citation VI (1991): 39 aircraft built
Cessna 650 Citation VII (1991): 119 aircraft built
The Citation III introduced swept wings and transcontinental range, competing directly with established business jet manufacturers and proving Cessna could build sophisticated, high-performance jets.
Modern Citation Excellence
Cessna 510 Citation Mustang (2005): 479 aircraft built, very light jet
Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign (2002): 443 aircraft built
Cessna 680A Citation Latitude (2014): 359+ aircraft built
Cessna 700 Citation Longitude (2016): 100+ aircraft built
Cessna 750 Citation X (1993): 339 aircraft built, fastest civilian jet
The Citation X held the title of world's fastest civilian aircraft for years, demonstrating Cessna's engineering prowess at the highest performance levels.
Turboprop Excellence (1978-Present)
Cessna 425 (1978)
First Flight: 1978
Number Built: 236
Type: Twin turboprop engine monoplane utility airplane
The Model 425 Corsair/Conquest I with 236 aircraft built brought turboprop power to the light twin market.
Cessna 441 Conquest II (1977)
First Flight: 1977
Number Built: 362
Type: Twin turboprop engine monoplane utility airplane
The pressurized Conquest II with 362 aircraft built offered jet-like performance with turboprop economy.
Cessna 208 Caravan (1982)
First Flight: 1982
Number Built: 3,000
Type: Single engine turboprop monoplane utility airplane
The single-engine turboprop Caravan with 3,000 aircraft built became the workhorse of bush operations, commuter airlines, cargo operators, and special missions worldwide. Its reliability, payload capacity, and versatility made it indispensable in remote regions.
Cessna 408 SkyCourier (2020)
First Flight: 2020
Number Built: 47
Type: Twin turboprop engine monoplane utility airplane
The newest Cessna design, the SkyCourier twin turboprop with 47 aircraft built to date, serves cargo and passenger operations with modern efficiency.
Modern Piston Aircraft (1980s-Present)
Cessna 152
Number Built: 7,584
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Model 152 with 7,584 aircraft built replaced the 150 as the world's primary trainer, serving flight schools globally.
Cessna 162 Skycatcher (2006)
First Flight: 2006
Number Built: 275
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility airplane
The Light Sport Aircraft Skycatcher with 275 units built explored the LSA market before production ended.
Cessna 350 Corvalis and 400 Corvalis TT
Type: Single piston engine monoplane utility aircraft
Acquired from Columbia Aircraft, these composite high-performance singles brought modern technology to Cessna's piston lineup.
Military and Special Projects
Cessna 318 (1954): 1,269 twin jet trainers built (T-37 Tweet)
Cessna 319: 1 observation aircraft
Cessna 321: 27 observation aircraft
Cessna 325: 2 agricultural aircraft
Cessna 327: 1 twin utility aircraft
Cessna CH-1 (1953): Approximately 50 utility helicopters built
Cessna E530 (2013): 4 multirole military jets built
Cessna 526 CitationJet (1993): 2 jet trainers
Cessna 552 (1984): 15 jet trainers
Experimental and Prototype Aircraft
Cessna X210 (1950): 1 prototype
Cessna 142 (1957): 1 prototype
Cessna 160 (1962): 1 prototype
Cessna 187 (1968): 1 prototype
Cessna 308 (1951): 1 aircraft
Cessna 309: 4 experimental aircraft
Cessna 343: 0 built, prototype project
Cessna E350: 1 turboprop prototype
Cessna 620 (1956): 1 four-engine business aircraft
Cessna 1014 XMC (1971): 1 experimental aircraft
Cessna 1023 (1971): 1 experimental military aircraft
Cessna NGP (2006): 1 prototype
Unbuilt Projects
Cessna PQ-10: 0 built, target drone project
Cessna 330: Twin utility aircraft project
Cessna 407: 0 built, twin jet business aircraft
Cessna 435: Unbuilt twin utility aircraft
Cessna 670 Citation IV: 0 built
Cessna 850 Citation Columbus: 0 built
Cessna Citation Hemisphere: 0 built, cancelled project
Reims-Cessna: European Production
Reims Aviation in France built Cessna designs under license, producing thousands of aircraft for European markets:
Reims-Cessna F150: 1,764 aircraft
Reims-Cessna F152: 641 aircraft
Reims-Cessna F172: 2,932 aircraft
Reims Cessna F177: 177 aircraft
Reims Cessna F182: 237 aircraft
Reims Cessna F337: 169 aircraft
Reims Cessna F406 Caravan II (1983): 99 twin turboprop utility aircraft
Legacy and Impact
Cessna Aircraft Company's production history spans over a century and encompasses more than 200,000 aircraft across more than 100 models—an achievement unmatched in general aviation. From Clyde Cessna's pioneering monoplane vision in 1917 to today's sophisticated Citation jets and Caravan turboprops, Cessna has continuously adapted to market demands while maintaining core values of reliability, practicality, and value.
Several aircraft define Cessna's extraordinary legacy:
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk remains the most-produced aircraft in history with over 44,000 units built and continuous production spanning seven decades. More pilots have learned to fly in a 172 than any other aircraft.
The Citation family revolutionized business aviation by making jet ownership accessible to owner-pilots and smaller corporations, with over 8,000 Citations delivered across all models.
The Model 208 Caravan became the definitive utility turboprop, serving remote regions worldwide with unmatched reliability and versatility.
Cessna's engineering philosophy emphasized practical, proven designs over cutting-edge technology, resulting in aircraft that operators could maintain and fly economically for decades. This approach created an enormous fleet of Cessna aircraft still flying today, from 1950s-era 170s and 180s to modern Skyhawks and Citations.
The company's ability to serve multiple market segments simultaneously—from two-seat trainers to intercontinental business jets, from agricultural aircraft to military trainers—demonstrates remarkable engineering breadth and manufacturing capability. Cessna proved that a single manufacturer could successfully compete across the entire spectrum of general aviation.
Today, as part of Textron Aviation, Cessna continues producing the 172, 182, Citation, and Caravan families, ensuring that Clyde Cessna's vision of practical, reliable aircraft remains alive well into the 21st century. For researchers, restorers, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts seeking documentation on any Cessna model from the 1917 Comet to today's Citation Longitude, Online Aviation Library maintains extensive collections of original manuals, technical documentation, and historical materials covering this manufacturer's unparalleled century of aviation excellence.