View source for Cessna 180 Skywagon

{{Short description|American light aircraft}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2021}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= Cessna 180 Skywagon
 |image= File:1979 Cessna 180K, C-N- 18053081 N2810K (without the floats) (5031770297).jpg 
 |caption=<!--image caption; if it isn't descriptive it should be left blank-->
 |type= Light [[utility aircraft]]
 |manufacturer= [[Cessna]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= May 26, 1952
 |introduction= 1953
 |retired=
 |status=
 |primary_user=
 |more_users=
 |produced= 1953–1981
 |number_built= 6,193
 |variants= [[St-Just Cyclone]]<br />[[St-Just Super-Cyclone]]
 |developed_into= [[Cessna 182 Skylane]]<br/>[[Cessna 185 Skywagon]]
}}

The '''Cessna 180 Skywagon''' is a four- or six-seat, fixed [[conventional landing gear|conventional gear]] [[general aviation]] [[airplane]] which was produced between 1953 and 1981. Though the design is no longer in production, many of these aircraft are still in use as personal aircraft and in utility roles such as [[bush flying]].<ref name="Christy">Christy, Joe ''The Complete Guide to the Single-Engine Cessnas'' 3rd ed, TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit PA USA, 1979, pp 29–39</ref>

==Development==
[[File:1960Cessna180.jpg|thumb|right|1960 Cessna 180]]

[[Cessna]] introduced the heavier and more powerful 180 as a complement to the [[Cessna 170]]. It eventually came to be known as the Skywagon, with the name appearing in promotional material by 1973.<ref name="Christy" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-13 |title=Cessna 180 |url=https://buffaloairpark.com/cessna-180/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Buffalo Air Park |language=en}}</ref>

The prototype Cessna 180, N41697, first flew on May 26, 1952. Cessna engineering test pilot William D. Thompson was at the controls.<ref name="Thompson">{{cite web |url=http://www.skywagons.org/180_story.asp?menuID=7~7 |title=The C-180 Story |last=Thompson |first=William D. |publisher=International 180–185 Club |access-date=2009-04-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529070822/http://www.skywagons.org/180_story.asp?menuID=7~7 |archive-date=2009-05-29 }}</ref>

In all its versions, 6,193 Cessna 180s were manufactured. In 1956, a [[tricycle gear]] version of this design was introduced as the [[Cessna 182]], which came to bear the name Skylane. Additionally, in 1960, Cessna introduced a heavier, more powerful sibling to the 180, the conventional gear [[Cessna 185]]. For a time, all three versions of the design were in production.<ref name="Christy" />

==Design==

The airframe of the 180 is all-metal, constructed of [[aluminum]] alloy. The fuselage is a [[monocoque#Aircraft|semi-monocoque]] structure, with exterior skin sheets riveted to [[former]]s and [[longeron]]s. The strut-braced wings, likewise, are constructed of exterior skin sheets riveted to [[spar (aviation)|spars]] and [[rib (aircraft)|ribs]]. The landing gear of the 180 is in a conventional arrangement, with main gear legs made of spring steel, and a steerable tailwheel mounted on a hollow tapered steel tube.<ref name="Christy" />

Cessna 180s produced between 1953 and 1963 have two side windows, while 1964 to 1981 models feature three side windows, as they use the same fuselage as the Cessna 185. 180s can be equipped with [[Floatplane|floats]] and skis.<ref name="Christy" />

==Operational history==

===Record flight===
[[File:Spirit of Columbus in Udvar-Hazy Center, February 2015.JPG|thumb|[[Jerrie Mock]]'s Cessna 180, the ''[[Spirit of Columbus]]'']]

The Cessna 180 gained recognition as the aircraft chosen by [[Jerrie Mock|Geraldine Mock]], the first woman pilot to successfully fly around the world. The flight was made in 1964 in her 1953 model, the ''[[Spirit of Columbus]]'' (N1538C), as chronicled in her 1970 book ''Three-Eight Charlie''.<ref name="Mock">Mock, Jerrie: ''Three-Eight Charlie'', First Edition, 1970. {{oclc|97976}}</ref>  The Cessna factory obtained the aircraft and kept it at the Pawnee (Wichita, Kansas) manufacturing plant after the epic flight, suspended from the ceiling over one of the manufacturing lines. It is currently on display at the [[National Air and Space Museum]].

==Variants==
''Cessna has historically used [[Model year|model years]] similar to U.S. auto manufacturers, with sales of new models typically starting a few months prior to the actual calendar year.''
;180
:Introduced for the 1953 model year with four seats, all-metal construction, a {{convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Continental O-470|Continental O-470-A]] engine driving a [[constant-speed propeller]], a squared vertical tail (as opposed to previous types' rounded tails), "Para-Lift" flaps, spring steel landing gear with a steerable tail wheel, and a gross weight of {{convert|2550|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.  The 1954 model year introduced a {{convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} O-470-J engine and interior refinements.  1956 introduced a {{convert|230|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} O-470-K engine with a new air intake duct.  Certified on 23 December 1952.  641 (1953), 620 (1954), 891 (1955), and 512 (1956) built.<ref name="5A6">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/417858c7f90969f7862572430064d352/$FILE/5A6.pdf|title = TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. 5A6 Revision 66|access-date = 2010-03-10|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|date = March 2003|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100307121546/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/417858c7f90969f7862572430064d352/$FILE/5A6.pdf|archive-date = 2010-03-07|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="Phillips">Phillips, Edward H: ''Wings of Cessna, Model 120 to the Citation III'', Flying Books, 1986. {{ISBN|0-911139-05-2}}</ref>
[[File:cessna.180a.g-btsm.arp.jpg|thumb|A 1957 Cessna on display at [[RAF Hullavington|Hullavington Airfield]], England.]]
;180A
:Introduced for the 1957 model year with revised instrument panel, improved tailwheel steering, a new parking brake, and an increased gross weight of {{convert|2650|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.  Certified on 17 December 1956.  694 total built; 444 (1957) and 250 (1958).<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />
[[File:1959Cessna180B.jpg|right|thumb|1959 Cessna 180B on amphibious floats]]
;{{visible anchor|180B}}
:1959 model year with a redesigned instrument panel.  Certified on 22 August 1958.  306 built.<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />
;{{visible anchor|180C}}
:1960 model year with a revised cowling with a new front-mounted intake filter.  Powered by a {{convert|230|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Continental O-470-K (also certified for the O-470-L or O-470-R).  Certified on 8 July 1959.  251 built.<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />
;180D
:1961 model year with a {{convert|230|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Continental O-470-L engine (also certified for the O-470-R) and a redesigned instrument panel. Certified on 14 June 1960.  152 built.<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />
;180E
:1962 model year with a {{convert|230|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Continental O-470-R engine (also certified for the O-470-L), redesigned {{convert|65|gal|L|0|abbr=on}} fuel tanks or optional {{convert|84|gal|L|0|abbr=on}} tanks, and new wingtips.  Certified on 21 September 1961.  112 built.<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />
;180F
:1963 model year with interior refinements, including semi-reclining seats, new rudder pedals, and instrument panel lighting controls.  Certified on 25 June 1962.  129 built.<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />
[[File:Cessna180G.jpg|thumb|Cessna 180G with belly cargo pod and [[tundra tires]]]]
;180G
:1964 model year with the larger fuselage (minus the firewall), wings, and landing gear of the [[Cessna 185 Skywagon|Model 185]], an alternator, and provisions for an extra utility seat, bringing total capacity to six people.  Gross weight was increased to {{convert|2800|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.  These changes made the 180 largely identical to the 185, with the smaller dorsal fairing of the former being the primary external difference between the two models.  Certified on 19 July 1963.  133 built.<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />
;180H
:Introduced for the 1965 model year with the firewall of the 185, a redesigned instrument panel, and an improved fuel strainer.  The 1966 model year featured improved door latches.  1967 introduced a pointed propeller spinner, increased stowage area, an Aeroflash rotating beacon, and an optional door on the left side.  1968 introduced new seat belts and stowable rudder pedals on the right side.  Beginning in 1969, Cessna used the marketing name '''Skywagon''' to refer to the 180.  1970 introduced new wingtips and an optional external cargo pack with a capacity of {{convert|300|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.  Certified on 17 June 1964.  839 total built; 162 (1965), 167 (1966), 101 (1967), 118 (1968), 110 (1969), 72 (1970), 46 (1971), and 63 (1972) built.<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" /><ref>{{Cite book |first= |title=Reference Book for Cessna Built Aircraft |publisher=Aircraft Data, Inc. |year=1989 |edition=1st |pages=9}}</ref>
;{{Visible anchor|180J Skywagon}}
:Introduced for the 1973 model year with a new "Camber-Lift" wing with a redesigned leading edge, a revised instrument panel, and nose-mounted landing/taxi lights.  The 1974 model year introduced optional cabin door bubble windows for improved downward visibility.  1975 introduced a {{convert|230|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Continental O-470-S engine.  Certified on 13 October 1972.  100 (1973), 116 (1974), 120 (1975), and 150 (1976).<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />
;{{visible anchor|180K Skywagon}}
:Introduced for the 1977 model year with a {{convert|230|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Continental O-470-U engine for which AVGAS 100 or 100LL is specified (previous engines were designed for AVGAS 80, formerly called 80/87), a strengthened tailwheel, and rearranged flight instruments in a "T" configuration. The smaller dorsal fairing of previous models was replaced with the larger 185-style fairing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgJCQGf1rGc|title=Cessna 180J|website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=19 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3TTwRb4uchM|title=Cessna 180K no-flap landing|website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=19 March 2025}}</ref> The 1978 model year introduced the '''Skywagon II''' with a preferred options package.  All subsequent model years featured only minor changes.  Certified on 19 August 1976.  433 total built; 135 (1977), 95 (1978), 115 (1979), 52 (1980), and 36 (1981).<ref name="5A6" /><ref name="Phillips" />

===Military variants===
;U-17C
:Eight 180E and nine 180H aircraft acquired by the [[United States Armed Forces|United States military]] for export.<ref name="Phillips" />

==Operators==

===Civil===
The Cessna 180  is popular with air charter companies and is operated by private individuals and companies.

===Military===
;{{AUS}}
[[File:161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight ground crew load 2.75 inch white phosphorous rockets onto a Cessna 180.jpg|thumb|[[161st Independent Reconnaissance Flight (Australia)|161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight]] ground crew load 2.75 inch white phosphorus rockets onto a Cessna 180 at [[Vung Tau Airport|Vung Tau Air Base]] in 1966]]
*[[Royal Australian Air Force]]<ref>[http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/research/aircraft/series2/A98.htm RAAF Museum website Cessna 180 page] retrieved on 9 January 2009.</ref>
*[[Australian Army Aviation]]<ref name="Aust">{{cite web | url=http://www.161recceflt.org.au/UnitHistory/unit_history.htm | title=Unit History | work=161 Possums of Vietnam | access-date=2006-09-18 }}</ref>
;{{Flag|Union of Burma}}
*[[Union of Burma Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf82p1379">{{Harvnb|Gaines|1982|p=1379}}</ref>
;{{CRI}}
*[[Public Force of Costa Rica]]<ref name="sipri">{{cite web|title=Arms Transfers Database|url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|access-date=2 November 2023}}</ref>
;{{ESA}}
*[[Salvadoran Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf96p40">{{Harvnb|Hatch|1988|p=40}}</ref>
;{{GUA}}
[[Guatemalan Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf96p47">{{Harvnb|Hatch|1988|p=47}}</ref>
;{{HND}}
*[[Honduran Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf96p48">{{Harvnb|Hatch|1988|p=48}}</ref>
;{{IDN}}
*[[Indonesian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=Peace Research Institute |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|year=1955|access-date=11 February 2021}}</ref>
;{{ISR}}
*[[Israeli Air Force]]<ref>[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/cessna.html Jewish Virtual Library – Israeli Air Force Cessna 180 page] retrieved on 9 January 2009.</ref>
;{{flag|Khmer Republic}}
*[[Khmer Air Force]]<ref>{{Harvnb|Grandolini|1988|p=39}}</ref>
;{{NIC}}
*[[Nicaraguan Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf82p1387">{{Harvnb|Gaines|1982|p=1387}}</ref>
;{{PHI}}
*[[Philippine Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf96p67">{{Harvnb|Hatch|1988|p=67}}</ref>

==Specifications (1978 Cessna 180 II landplane)==
[[File:Cessna 180E 3-view line drawing.png|frameless|right|3-view line drawing of the Cessna 180E]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Cessna<ref name="Cessna1978">Cessna Aircraft Company: ''1978 Cessna Skywagons 180 & 185'', page 10. Cessna Aircraft, Wichita, Kansas 1978. SPA 78009-15</ref><!-- the reference for the data given -->
|prime units?=kts<!-- "imp", "kts" or "met" to display the units in a given order. Without an entry here, no specifications will show -->
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=one
|capacity=five passengers
|length m=
|length ft=25
|length in=9
|span m=
|span ft=35
|span in=10
|height m=
|height ft=7
|height in=9
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=174
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=1700
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=2800
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Continental O-470|Continental O-470-U]]
|eng1 type=
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=230<!-- prop engines -->

|prop blade number=2<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=constant speed
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=6<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=10<!-- propeller aircraft -->

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=148
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed kts=142
|stall speed kmh=<!-- aerobatic -->
|stall speed mph=<!-- aerobatic -->
|stall speed kts=48
|range km=
|range miles=
|range nmi=890
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=17700
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=1100
|wing loading lb/sqft=16.1
|more performance=

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent|
|related=
* [[Cessna 170]]
* [[Cessna 182]]
* [[Cessna 185]]
|similar aircraft=
|lists=
|see also=
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite magazine |last=Gaines |first=Mike |title=World Air Forces 1982 |magazine=[[Flight International]] |date=6 November 1982 |volume=122 |issue=3835 |pages=1327–1388 |issn=0015-3710 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1982/1982%20-%202495.html |access-date=18 March 2019 }}
* {{cite book |last=Hagedorn |first=Daniel P. |title=Central American and Caribbean Air Forces |year=1993 |location=Tonbridge, Kent, UK |publisher=Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd |isbn=0-85130-210-6}}
*{{cite magazine |last=Hatch |first=Paul F. |title=World Air Forces 1988 |magazine=[[Flight International]] |date=3 December 1988 |volume=134 |issue=4142 |pages=22–87 |issn=0015-3710 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1988/1988%20-%203428.html |access-date=18 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519235653/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1988/1988%20-%203428.html|archive-date=19 May 2019|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite magazine |last=Grandolini |first=Albert |title=L'Aviation Royale Khmere: The first 15 years of Cambodian military aviation |magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]] |date=September–December 1988 |issue=Thirty-seven |pages=39–47 |issn=0143-5450 }}
*{{cite journal|title=Pentagon Over the Islands: The Thirty-Year History of Indonesian Military Aviation|journal=Air Enthusiast Quarterly |date=n.d. |issue=2 |pages=154–162 |issn=0143-5450}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041107090429/http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/aero/aircraft/cessna180.htm National Air and Space Museum exhibit of Jerry Mock's Cessna 180, "Spirit of Columbus"]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060316183859/http://www.three-eightcharlie.com/nasm.html FAA N1538C "Spirit of Columbus" Returns to Public Display at the NASM's Steven Udvar-Hazy Center]

{{Cessna 140 family}}
{{Cessna}}
{{US utility aircraft}}
{{ADF aircraft designations}}
{{FAB aircraft designations}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cessna aircraft|180]]
[[Category:1950s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1952]]
[[Category:Glider tugs]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]