Aircraft Quiz #96

[Doug Robertson]

1. Name who designed the cantilever spring-steel main landing gear of the radial-engined Cessna Model 190, the Model 195 and the Model 195A classic taildraggers?

2a. How many of the above three total taildragger aircraft versions were built? 2b. 190s total?, 2c. 195 and 195As together total built?

These Cessnas were all built between 1947 and 1954. All were 4/5-seaters. Many think these designs were/are the most attractive of all the single engine Cessnas. The generous horsepower cowled radial engines and their sounds contribute to the charm of these classic aircraft.

[SunvisorFlyer]

1. That would be Steve Wittman, who pioneered the gear on his Wittman Big X, which I believe Cessna bought outright from him.

2a. A total of 1180 aircraft were built, with some military as well.
I believe the mix on that is:
2b. 233 of the Model 190s
2c. 947 of the Model 195s

[Doug Robertson]

Congrats on your quick reply. My 1980 reference info only differs on the number of 195s built. It states between 1947 and 1954 890 Model 195s and 195As were built. This may exclude your military build added total. (Now I now have found another 1972 reference giving the 955 total for all 195s built, so that might account for the military 195s).

The 190s were powered by a new Continental R-670-23 engine of 240 Hp, while the 195s and 195As were powered with a Jacobs R-775-A2 of 300 Hp. The 195 has a range of 750 miles at 165 mph. A 195A as I recall from the high desert often flies into SZP First Sundays and is always an attraction.

Please see N9848A Cessna 190 photos as US Army LC-126 with 300 Hp upgrade.

Thanks for your continued participation!