Cessna 310

The Cessna 310 was introduced in the 1950s as one of the company’s first twin-engine designs. It quickly became popular among business operators and private owners. The aircraft helped establish Cessna’s reputation in the light twin market.

Cessna 310 CVT 1 © Rob Hodgkins

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Overview

Cessna United States ICAO: C310 1954–1980 Active $147,000 (1978)

Cessna 310 — twin-engine piston aircraftThe 310 first flew in 1954 and entered service the following year. It featured distinctive tip tanks and retractable landing gear. The aircraft was designed for speed and cross-country capability.Powered by two Continental piston engines producing approximately 260 horsepower each in many variants, the 310 cruised at around 200 knots (370 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg).The 310 remained in production for nearly three decades. Its performance and styling influenced later Cessna twins. Many examples continue to operate in private ownership.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Continental IO-470-M
Engine type
Piston
Power
2 × 240 hp · 179 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
5
Crew
—
Cabin width
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Cabin height
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Cabin length
7 ft 10 in  ·  2.40 m
Exterior length
27 ft 3 in  ·  8.30 m
Tail height
10 ft 8 in  ·  3.25 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 3 in  ·  1.30 m
Wing span
35 ft 1 in  ·  10.70 m
Baggage volume
35 ft³  ·  1.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
4,600 lb  ·  2,100 kg
Max landing weight
2,850 lb  ·  1,300 kg
Max payload
1,750 lb  ·  800 kg
Fuel capacity
130 gal · 500 L · 300 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
190 kt  ·  219 mph  ·  352 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
68 kt  ·  78 mph  ·  126 km/h
Range
870 nm  ·  1,000 mi  ·  1,610 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
20,000 ft  ·  6,100 m
Rate of climb
1,700 ft/min  ·  9 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,660 ft  ·  510 m
Landing distance
1,790 ft  ·  550 m
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N310HM Cessna 310

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Operational Context

On January 3, 1953, the Cessna 310 conducted its maiden flight. In late 1954, deliveries of the aircraft started. Throughout the aircraft’s 28-year production span, it involved numerous improvements and innovations such as engine exhaust thrust augmenter tubes and the fuel storage in tip tanks in earlier versions. In 1964, it was found out that augmenter tubes cause too much noise, so it was opted to change the flow of the engine exhaust under the wing.

The Cessna 310 also developed from a pressure-carbureted engine to a high-power turbocharged engine. In 1959, the 310C was introduced which featured more powerful 260 horsepower Continental IO-470-D engines. In 1960, another version with swept-back vertical tail surfaces was introduced, designated as the 310D. In 1961, the 310F with an extra cabin window on each side was produced. A few more variants of the 310 were produced until 1980.

The Cessna 310 was used both in commercial and military operations. It was used as a charter aircraft for many air taxi businesses in general aviation after World War II. It boasted its speed, low operating cost, and aftermarket modifications like the Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) kits that made the aircraft in demand throughout the globe for its bush flying capabilities. The aircraft could take-off and land on short runways, while simultaneously carrying a 2,000 pounds of useful load, at speeds that were above the capability of a typical twin-engine piston aircraft.

The 310 were also utilized by the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1957 as a light utility aircraft for transport and administrative support. The USAF acquired 160 L-27As, unmodified version of the 310A, that were changed afterward to U-3A in 1962. From 1960 to 1961, an additional 36 L-27B, military designation for the 310E/310M powered by 260 hp engines were delivered.

The 1956 model of the Cessna 310 has a cruise speed of 178 knots, a range of 870 nautical miles, a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, and a rate of climb of 1,700 feet per minute. It has a maximum take-off weight of 2,087 kg.