View source for Cessna Skymaster

{{Short description|1961 utility aircraft family by Cessna}}
{{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 336 Skymaster <br/> 337 Super Skymaster
 |image= File:Cessna 337 (8735367365).jpg
 |caption= Cessna P337G Pressurized Skymaster
 |type= Personal use and [[air taxi]] aircraft
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Cessna]]<br />[[Reims Aviation]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= February 28, 1961
 |introduction= 1962
 |retired=
 |status= 
 |primary_user=
 |more_users=<!--up to three more. please separate with <br/>.-->
 |produced= 1963–1982
 |number_built= 2,993<ref name="Janes"/>
 |variants= [[Cessna O-2 Skymaster]] <br/>[[Conroy Stolifter]] <br/>[[Spectrum SA-550]]
}}

The '''Cessna Skymaster''' is an American twin-engine civil utility [[aircraft]] built in a [[push-pull configuration]]. Its [[Piston engine|engines]] are mounted in the nose and rear of its pod-style fuselage. [[Twin boom]]s extend aft of the wings to the [[vertical stabilizer]]s, with the rear engine between them. The [[Tailplane|horizontal stabilizer]] is aft of the [[pusher propeller]], mounted between and connecting the two booms.<ref name="Janes">Wood, Derek: ''Jane's World Aircraft Recognition Handbook'', page 471. Jane's Publishing Company, 1985. {{ISBN|0-7106-0343-6}}</ref>  The combined [[tractor configuration|tractor]] and [[pusher configuration|pusher]] engines produce centerline thrust and a unique sound.<ref name="PlaneAndPilot">Plane and Pilot: ''1978 Aircraft Directory'', page 92. Werner & Werner Corp Publishing, 1978. {{ISBN|0-918312-00-0}}</ref> The [[Cessna O-2 Skymaster]] is a military version of the Cessna Model 337 Super Skymaster.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Cessna O-2A Skymaster |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196063/cessna-o-2a-skymaster/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196063/cessna-o-2a-skymaster/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=National Museum of the United States Air Force™ |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:Cessna 337D Super Skymaster N991DM OTT 2013 06.jpg|thumb|Retracting landing gear]]

The first Skymaster, Model 336 Skymaster, had fixed landing gear and initially flew on February 28, 1961.<ref name="Taylor">Taylor, Michael: ''Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft''; page 67; Gallery Books; 1987; {{ISBN|0-8317-2808-6}}</ref><ref name="Fitzsimons">Fitzsimons, Bernie: ''The Defenders - A Comprehensive Guide to the Warplanes of the USA'', page 54. Gallery Books, 1988. {{ISBN|0-8317-2181-2}}</ref> It went into production in May 1963<ref name="Janes"/> with 195 being produced through mid-1964.<ref name="PlaneAndPilot"/>

In February 1965, Cessna introduced the Model 337 Super Skymaster.<ref name="Green">Green, William: ''Observers Aircraft'', page 46. Frederick Warne Publishing, 1974. {{ISBN|0-7232-1526-X}}</ref> The model was larger, and had more powerful engines, retractable landing gear, and a dorsal air scoop for the rear engine. (The "Super" prefix was subsequently dropped from the name.)<ref name="PlaneAndPilot"/> In 1966, the turbocharged T337 was introduced, and in 1973, the pressurized P337G entered production.<ref name="PlaneAndPilot"/>

Cessna built 2993 Skymasters of all variants, including 513 military [[Cessna O-2 Skymaster|O-2]] versions.<ref name="Janes"/> Production in America ended in 1982, but was continued by [[Reims Aviation|Reims]] in France, with the FTB337 [[STOL]] and the military FTMA ''Milirole''.<ref name="Fitzsimons"/>

==Design==
[[File:EC-EDB - 112 Reims F337G Super Skymaster (cn F337-0067) (10350606526).jpg|thumb|Fuselage close-up with door open]]
[[File:2016 - Aerodrom Igualada-Òdena 05.jpg|thumb|Flight deck]]

The Skymaster handles differently from a conventional twin-engine aircraft, primarily in that if an engine fails, the plane will not [[Aircraft principal axes|yaw]] toward that engine. Without the issue of differential thrust inherent to conventional (engine-on-wing) twins, engine failure on takeoff will not produce yaw from the runway heading.  With no one-engine-out [[Minimum control speeds|minimum controllable speed]] (Vmc), in-flight control at any flying speed with an engine inoperative is not as critical as it is with engines on the wing with the associated leverage; however, performance in speed and, particularly, rate of climb are affected. Flying a Skymaster requires a pilot to hold a multiengine rating, although many countries issue a special "centerline thrust rating" for the Skymaster and other similarly configured aircraft.<ref name="PlaneAndPilot"/>

Ground handling requires certain attention and procedures. The rear engine tends to overheat and can quit while [[taxiing]] on very hot days.<ref name="McClellan">McClellan, J Mac: ''Adam A500'', [[Flying (magazine)|''Flying Magazine'']] pages 52-58. [[Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.]], December 2007. ISSN 0015-4806</ref> Accidents have occurred when the runway is shorter than the single-engine take-off roll and pilots, unaware of a rear engine shutdown, have attempted take-off on the nose engine alone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/82280/pdf|title=NTSB Identification: CEN12FA058, 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation|date=November 10, 2011|publisher=NTSB}}</ref> [[Federal Aviation Administration]] [[Airworthiness Directive]] 77-08-05 prohibits single-engine take-offs and requires the installation of a placard marked "Do not initiate single engine takeoff".<ref>{{cite web|url = http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/AOCADSearch/40B73D072FD60CCE86256A340068370C?OpenDocument|title = Airworthiness Directive 77-08-05|access-date = 2014-10-24|publisher=Federal Aviation Administration|date=April 28, 1977}}</ref>

The Skymaster's unique sound is made by its rear [[Pusher configuration|pusher propeller]] slicing through turbulent air from the front propeller and over the airframe while its front [[Tractor configuration|tractor propeller]] addresses undisturbed air.<ref name="PlaneAndPilot"/>

==Operational history==
From 1976 until the middle 1990s, the [[California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection]] used O-2 variants of the 337 Skymaster as tactical aircraft during firefighting operations. These were replaced with North American [[OV-10 Bronco]]s, starting in 1993.<ref name="CalFire">{{cite web | publisher=State of California | url= http://calfire.ca.gov/about/about_aviation_history.php | title=CDF aviation management history | access-date=2015-07-04 }}</ref>

During the [[Rhodesian Bush War]], the Reims-Cessna FTB 337G 'Lynx' was the main light attack aircraft used by [[Rhodesian Security Forces]] during Fire Force [[counterinsurgency]] [[air assault]] missions, which began in 1974. The Lynxes were armed with twin Browning .303 machine guns mounted above the wing and 37mm [[SNEB]] rockets, locally made Mini "Alpha" Bombs ([[cluster bomb]]s), Mini "Golf" Bombs ({{cvt|450|lb|kg}} blast and shrapnel bomb) and ''[[Frantan]]'' (a napalm variant carried in frangible drop tanks) bombs.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |title= Fireforce: One Man's War in the Rhodesian Light Infantry|last= Cocks|first= Chris|year= 2009|publisher= 30° South Publishers|isbn= 978-0-9584890-9-6|page=33}}</ref>

===Brothers to the Rescue===
{{Main|Brothers to the Rescue}}

From 1991 until 2001 the [[Cuba]]n exile group ''[[Hermanos al Rescate]]'' (Brothers to the Rescue) used Skymasters, among other aircraft, to fly [[search and rescue]] missions over the [[Florida Straits]] looking for rafters attempting to cross the straits to [[defector|defect]] from Cuba, and when they found them, dropped life-saving supplies to them. Rescues were coordinated with the [[US Coast Guard]], which worked closely with the group.  They chose Skymasters because their high wing offered better visibility of the waters below, they were reliable and easy to fly for long-duration missions (averaging 7 hours), and they added a margin of safety with twin-engine centerline thrust.  In 1996, two of the Brothers to the Rescue Skymasters were [[1996_shootdown_of_Brothers_to_the_Rescue_aircraft|shot down]] by the [[Cuban Air Force]] over international waters.  Both aircraft were downed by a [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]], while a second jet fighter, a [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23]], orbited nearby.<ref name="Minnesota">{{cite web|url = http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/cases/86-99.html|title = Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Pena y Pablo Morales v. Republica de Cuba, Case 11.589, Report No. 86/99, OEA/Ser.L/V/II.106 Doc. 3 rev. at 586 (1999)|access-date = 2007-12-07|last = [[University of Minnesota]] Human Rights Library|year = 1999}}</ref>

==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.''
;{{visible anchor|336 Skymaster}}
:Original variant first flown in 1961 and introduced for the 1963 and 1964 model years.  The 336 had a six-seat cabin and was powered by two {{convert|195|hp|abbr=on}} [[Continental IO-360-A]] engines.  Production aircraft differed from the prototypes in that they had a roomier cabin and a redesigned rear engine cowling to improve engine cooling and reduce cabin noise.  Gross weight was {{convert|3900|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Simpson |first=Roderick W. |title=Airlife's general aviation: a guide to post-war general aviation manufacturers and their aircraft |date=1991 |publisher=Airlife Publ. [u.a.] |isbn=978-1-85310-194-6 |location=Shrewsbury}}</ref><ref name="Phillips">Phillips, Edward H: ''Wings of Cessna, Model 120 to the Citation III'', Flying Books, 1986. {{ISBN|0911139052}}</ref>  A total of 197 built; 2 prototypes and 195 production aircraft (102 in 1963 and 93 in 1964).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A2CE |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/C971F26AD3E0422E86257ED20072F86A.0001 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=[[Federal Aviation Administration]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2005 |title=Skymaster Production |url=https://www.337skymaster.com/messages/attachment.php?attachmentid=2288&d=1602678090 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Skymaster Owners And Pilots Association |format=PDF}}</ref>

;{{visible anchor|337 Super Skymaster}}
:The 1965 model year brought major changes to the Skymaster, which led to a new model number, 337, being assigned.  The most significant change was the addition of retractable [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] similar to that of the [[Cessna 210 Centurion]], which sat four inches lower than the 336 for ease of entry/exit.  Other changes included a redesigned nose [[cowling]] and new rear engine intake, greater wing [[angle of incidence (aerodynamics)|angle of incidence]], shortened ventral tail fins, increased elevator chord, and an increased gross weight of {{convert|4200|lb|abbr=on}}.  The 337 was powered by two {{convert|210|hp|abbr=on}} Continental IO-360-C or IO-360-D engines.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  239 total built; 1 prototype and 238 production aircraft.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A6CE |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/A64682A24C2CE51086257ED700622C0F.0001 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=[[Federal Aviation Administration]]}}</ref>

;{{visible anchor|337A Super Skymaster}}
:1966 model year with canted engine instruments and rotary-type door latches.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  284 built.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />  31 were later modified to '''MC337A''' standard with loudspeakers and leaflet dispensers for use by the [[United States Air Force]] as the [[Cessna O-2 Skymaster|O-2B Skymaster]].<ref name="Fitzsimons" /><ref name=":0" />

[[File:An air-to-air left side view of an O-2A aircraft flying over the Empire Range near Howard Air Force Base, Panama DF-ST-85-09231.jpg|thumb|USAF [[Cessna O-2 Skymaster|O-2A]] (M337B) over Panama]]
;{{Visible anchor|337B/T337B Super Skymaster}}
:1967 model year with improved brakes, 38A alternators, a redesigned cabin heating system, a split-bus electrical system, and an increased gross weight of {{convert|4300|lb|abbr=on}}.  A version powered by turbocharged {{convert|210|hp|abbr=on}} Continental TSIO-360-A engines was also offered as the '''T337B'''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  231 built, plus 479 '''M337B''' military variants as the O-2A Skymaster.<ref name="Fitzsimons" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

;{{visible anchor|337C/T337C Super Skymaster}}
:1968 model year with a new instrument panel, improved seat belts, and an increased gross weight of {{convert|4400|lb|abbr=on}} ({{convert|4500|lb|abbr=on}} for the '''T337C''').<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  223 built.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

;{{Visible anchor|337D/T337D Super Skymaster}}
:1969 model year with reduced elevator chord and increased elevator up travel, electroluminescent instrument panel lighting, and new cowl flap controls.  Also offered as the turbocharged '''T337D'''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  215 built.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

;{{visible anchor|337E/T337E Super Skymaster}}
:1970 model year with conical cambered wingtips, a new fuel quantity system, and an increased gross weight of {{convert|4440|lb|abbr=on}} ({{convert|4630|lb|abbr=on}} for the '''T337E''').<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  123 built, plus 24 in France by [[Reims Aviation]] for the European market as the '''F337E'''.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A23EU |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/E85B2AA04105D1F2862583EE0072A0D1.0001 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=[[Federal Aviation Administration]]}}</ref>

;{{visible anchor|FTA337E}}
:One aircraft converted from the 20th production F337E.<ref name=":1" />

;{{visible anchor|337F/T337F Super Skymaster}}
:Introduced for the 1971 model year with an increased gross weight of {{convert|4630|lb|abbr=on}} (same as the T337F) a refined instrument panel, a padded glareshield, a front engine access panel, and other minor changes.  The 1972 model year introduced nose-mounted landing/taxi lights and minor interior changes.  The turbocharged '''T337F''' was only offered for the 1971 model year.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  147 total built; 83 (1971) and 64 (1972).  Reims also built a total of 31 as the '''F337F'''; 21 (1971) and 10 (1972).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

;{{Visible anchor|337G Super Skymaster}}
:Introduced for the 1973 model year with a recontoured nose cap, flush wingtip lights, low-drag front exhaust stack and wing strut fairings, a flush-mounted pitot port on the left wing strut, a split [[airstair]] door replacing the cabin and baggage doors, aileron gap seals, and a hydraulic powerpack replacing the engine-driven pump.  Power was provided by two {{convert|210|hp|abbr=on}} Continental IO-360-G engines.  The 1974 model year introduced recessed parking brake control, a hydraulic gear accumulator, and improved subpanel rocker switches.  1975 introduced an optional {{convert|148|gal|L|abbr=on}} auxiliary fuel system and the '''Skymaster II''' with a preferred options package.  1976 introduced a "Camber-Lift" wing, a redesigned instrument panel, and a reworked fuel system with tail boom fuel sump tanks removed.  1977 introduced a new front propeller airfoil and an auxiliary master power switch.  A turbocharged version of the unpressurized 337G was not offered.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  354 total built; 88 (1973), 56 (1974), 65 (1975), 77 (1976), and 68 (1977).  Reims also built a total of 29 as the '''F337G'''; 8 (1973), 8 (1974), 5 (1975), 3 (1976), and 5 (1977).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

[[File:Reims FT337G Pressurized Skymaster, Heliavia AN0521291.jpg|thumb|Reims FT337GP Pressurized Skymaster]]
;{{visible anchor|P337G Pressurized Skymaster}}
:Also known as the '''T337G''',{{refn|These aircraft were referred to as "T337G" on the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] [[type certificate]], but were given "P337" construction numbers by Cessna.|name=first|group=note}} introduced for the 1973 model year as a turbocharged, pressurized version of the 337G.  The P337G was powered by two {{convert|225|hp|abbr=on}} TSIO-360-C engines.  Like the 337G, the Skymaster II option was also available for the P337G.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  292 total built; 1 (1971 prototype), 148 (1973), 45 (1974), 31 (1975), 32 (1976), and 35 (1977).  Reims also built a total of 22 as the '''FT337GP'''; 8 (1973), 5 (1974), 2 (1975), 2 (1976), and 5 (1977).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

;{{visible anchor|FTB337G}}
:Military variant of the F337G with [[Sierra Industries]] Robertson STOL modifications and underwing [[hardpoint]]s.  Known as the '''Lynx''' in [[Rhodesian Air Force]] service.  61 built.<ref name="Fitzsimons" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1" />

;{{Visible anchor|337H/T337H Skymaster}}
:Introduced for the 1978 model year with redesigned control wheels and minor interior refinements.  The turbocharged version was also offered after a six year absence as the '''T337H''', which was powered by two {{convert|210|hp|abbr=on}} Continental TSIO-360-H engines.  The '''T337H-SP''' was introduced for the 1980 model year and was powered by TSIO-360-JB engines.  The 1980 model year replaced the engines of the 337H and T337H with the TSIO-360-GB and TSIO-360-HB, respectively.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" /><ref name=":2" />  140 total built; 58 (1978), 47 (1979 337H/T337H), 1 (1979 T337H-SP prototype), 24 (1980 337H/T337H), and 10 (1980 T337H-SP).  Reims also built 2 aircraft in 1978 as the '''F337H'''.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

;{{Visible anchor|P337H Pressurized Skymaster}}
:Introduced for the 1978 model year as a turbocharged, pressurized version of the 337H powered by two {{convert|225|hp|abbr=on}} TSIO-360-C engines, which were replaced by the TSIO-360-C for the 1980 model year.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Phillips" />  64 total built; 26 (1978), 24 (1979), and 15 (1980).  Reims also built 1 aircraft in 1978 as the '''FT337HP'''.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

;{{Visible anchor|348}}
:Based on the M337B but with two {{convert|317|shp|abbr=on}} [[Allison Model 250|Allison 250-B15]] turboprop engines, a longer span wing, and improved high lift devices.  Designated '''O-2T''', only a single prototype was built.<ref name="JAWA69 p304–5">Taylor 1969, pp. 304–305.</ref><ref name="Phillips" />

;{{Visible anchor|351}}
:Also known as the '''O-2TT''', a proposed variant of the O-2T with a tandem two-seat cockpit for the pilot and observer.  Only a mockup was built.<ref name="Fitzsimons" /><ref name="JAWA69 p304–5" /><ref name="Phillips" /><ref name=":1" />

;{{visible anchor|377/327 Baby Skymaster}}
:Reduced-scale four-seat version of the 337 first proposed in 1965 as the Model 377 with [[cantilever]] wings replacing the 336/337 strut-braced configuration.  The 377 was later redesignated as the Model 327 in 1967 and was first flown in December of that year.  One prototype was built before the project was canceled in 1968 due to lack of commercial interest in the design. The prototype was delivered to [[NASA]] to serve as a full-scale model for [[wind tunnel]] testing. It was used in a joint Langley Research Center and Cessna project on noise reduction and the use of ducted versus free propellers.<ref name="Cessnas">{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Daryl |year=2006 |title=The Cessnas that got away |url=http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/features/article.asp?id=461 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227001732/http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/features/article.asp?id=461 |archive-date=2009-02-27 |access-date=2008-12-22}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

;B.TCh.1
:({{langx|th|บ.ตช.๑}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the P337G and T337H-SP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

===Conversions/modifications===
;[[Ampaire Electric EEL]]
:[[Hybrid electric aircraft]] with the forward piston engine replaced by an electric motor powered by a battery, in a [[parallel hybrid]] configuration.<!--ref name=Flight25jun2019/--> The demonstrator first flew on 6 June 2019,<!--ref name=Ampaire6jun2019--> before Hawaiian regional carrier [[Mokulele Airlines]] experiment connecting [[Maui]] airports with the aircraft.<!--ref name=Flight25jun2019-->
;[[AVE Mizar]]
:[[Flying car (aircraft)|Flying car]], created by [[Advanced Vehicle Engineers]], was an attachment of Skymaster wings, tail, and rear engine to a [[Ford Pinto]] outfitted with aircraft controls and instruments.<ref>[http://www.fordpinto.com/mitzar1.htm Mitzar, Flying Pinto?] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040816075959/http://www.fordpinto.com/mitzar1.htm |date=August 16, 2004 }}</ref>
;[[Conroy Stolifter]]
:An extensive single-turboprop engine STOL cargo plane conversion of the Skymaster. Front engine was replaced with a [[Garrett AiResearch TPE-331]] [[turboprop]]; rear engine was removed, and its space filled with an extended cargo pod.
;Groen RevCon 6-X
:Test conversion of a Cessna 337 Skymaster airplane. This aircraft conversion tested the theory of using fixed-wing airplanes as the basic airframes for gyroplanes to reduce cost and shorten development time.
;[[Spectrum SA-550]]
:Built by [[Spectrum Aircraft Corporation]] of [[Van Nuys, California|Van Nuys]], [[California]], it was an extensive single-turboprop engine conversion of a Reims FTB337G constructed in the mid 1980s. They removed the nose engine, lengthened the nose, and replaced the rear engine with a turboprop.<ref>[http://www.skymaster.org.uk/spectrum.asp The Spectrum SA-550] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314002500/http://www.skymaster.org.uk/spectrum.asp |date=2009-03-14 }}</ref>
;Summit Sentry O2-337
:Summit Aviation of [[Middletown, Delaware]] re-manufactured existing used 337 airframes into the militarized '''O2-337''' which includes four wing-mounted NATO standard pylons capable of carrying 350&nbsp;lb (159&nbsp;kg) each for 7.62&nbsp;mm and 12.7&nbsp;mm gun pods, rocket launchers, bombs, markers and flares. The aircraft was marketed for the target identification and marking, reconnaissance, helicopter escort and aerial photography roles. Examples were sold to the [[Armed Forces of Haiti|Haitian Air Force]], [[Honduras]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Senegal]] and the [[Thai Navy]]. The variant was still in production in 1987.<ref name="Taylor" />
;VoltAero hybrid electric conversion
:VoltAero is a startup company formed in September 2017 by the [[chief technical officer|CTO]] and test pilot of the 2014 [[Airbus E-Fan]] 1.0. The company has been established in [[Royan]], with support from the French [[Nouvelle-Aquitaine]] region. It is developing a hybrid [[electric aircraft]] testbed based on the Skymaster, which is intended to fly in late February 2019. It will be followed up by the [[VoltAero Cassio]] prototype in 2020, a clean-sheet, all-composite design.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/future-aerospace/e-fan-experience-spawns-french-hybrid-electric-startup |title= E-Fan Experience Spawns French Hybrid-Electric Startup |date= Oct 25, 2018 |author= Graham Warwick |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref>

==Military operators==
[[File:Thai Navy Cessna T337H-SP Summit Sentry.jpg|thumb|[[Thai Navy]] T337H-SP]]

{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
;{{flag|Angola}}: [[National Air Force of Angola|FAPA/DAA]]<ref>{{harvnb|Fontanellaz|Cooper|Matos|2020|p=13}}</ref>
;{{BFA}}: [[Military of Burkina Faso#Air Force|''Force Aérienne du Burkina Faso'']]<ref name="fiwaf04 p47">''Flight International'' 16–22 November 2004, p. 47.</ref>
;{{COL}}: [[Colombian Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf04 p52">''Flight International'' 16–22 November 2004, p. 52.</ref>
;{{MOZ}}: [[Military of Mozambique|''Força Aérea de Moçambique'']] (3 x FTB-337G) - ex-Portuguese Air Force FTB-337G refurbished and offered by the Government of Portugal to Mozambique in 2011 and 2012.<ref name="Mais Alto">''Mais Alto'' June 2012, p. 16.</ref>
;{{NAM}}:[[Namibian Air Force]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2018}}
;{{NIC}}:[[Nicaraguan Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf04 p77">''Flight International'' 16–22 November 2004, p. 77.</ref>
;{{THA}}: [[Military of Thailand|Thai Navy]]<ref name="Bangkok Post">[https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3117806/phuket-airport-reopens-after-navy-plane-mishap Bangkok Post website]''Bangkok Post'' 09 October 2025.</ref>
;{{TOG}}: [[Military of Togo|Togo Air Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
;{{ZWE}}: [[Air Force of Zimbabwe]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
}}

===Former military operators===
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
 ; {{ARG}}: [[Gendarmeria Nacional Argentina]] Two examples, 1965-1986<ref>[http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/arg/GNA/Argentina-gn-all-time-chron.htm Aeroflight website]</ref>
; {{BAN}}: [[Bangladesh Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf04 p45">''Flight International'' 16–22 November 2004, p. 45.</ref>
; {{CHI}}: [[Chilean Army]] Three examples, between the end of 1970s and mid-1990s, sold to civilian interests.{{Citation needed|date=July 2015}}
; {{TCD}}: [[Chadian Air Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
; {{ECU}}: [[Ecuadorian Air Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
; {{SLV}}: [[Salvadoran Air Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
; {{EQG}}: [[Armed Forces of Equatorial Guinea]]<ref name="fiwaf04 p56">''Flight International'' 16–22 November 2004, p. 56.</ref>
; {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}:''[[Guinea-Bissau Air Force|Força Aérea de Guine-Bissau]]''<ref name="fiwaf04 p62">''Flight International'' 16–22 November 2004, p. 62.</ref>
; {{HTI}}: [[Armed Forces of Haiti|Haitian Air Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
; {{JAM}}: [[Jamaica Defence Force|Jamaica Defense Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
; {{NIG}}: [[Military of Niger]]<ref name="fiwaf04 p77"/>
; {{MEX}}: [[Mexican Air Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
; {{POR}}: [[Portuguese Air Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/> (32 × FTB-337G): Purchased in 1973 to replace the force's aging [[Dornier Do 27]] fleet, which had been used intensively in the [[Portuguese Colonial War]]. The first 337 deliveries did not arrive until December 1974—after the end of the war. The last Skymaster in service with the Portuguese Air Force was retired on July 25, 2007.
; {{flag|Rhodesia}}: [[Rhodesian Air Force]]<ref name="Brent">{{cite book| last1=Brent| first1=W A| title=Rhodesian Air Force – A Brief History 1947–1980| publisher=Freeworld| date=1988| pages=13–23| isbn=0620118059}}</ref>
; {{SEN}}: [[Senegalese Air Force]]<ref name="waf_listing">World Air Forces – Countries {{Cite web |url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/countriesindex.html |title=World Air Forces Countries |access-date=2021-02-15 |archive-date=2012-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716224643/http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/countriesindex.html |url-status=live }}.</ref>{{rs|date=February 2021}}
; {{LKA}}: [[Sri Lanka Air Force]]<ref name="Taylor"/>
}}

==Specifications (337D)==
[[File:Cessna T337C Turbo System Super Skymaster 3-view line drawing.png|frameless|right|3-view line drawing of the Cessna T337C Turbo System Super Skymaster]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1969–70<ref name="JAWA69 p303-4">Taylor 1969, pp. 303–304.</ref>
|prime units?=imp
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide= 

|crew=1
|capacity=5 passengers
|length m=
|length ft=29
|length in=9
|span m=
|span ft=38
|span in=09
|height m=
|height ft=9
|height in=4
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=201
|airfoil=NACA 2412 at root, NACA 2409 at tip
|aspect ratio=7.18:1
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=2655
|gross weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=4400
|fuel capacity={{convert|92|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} normal, {{convert|128|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} with auxiliary tanks
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Continental IO-360|Continental IO-360-C]]
|eng1 type=air-cooled [[flat-six]] piston engine
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=210<!-- prop engines -->

|prop blade number=2<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=McCauley fully-feathering, constant-speed propeller
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=6<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=4<!-- propeller aircraft -->

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=199
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=at sea level
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=144<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed note=at {{convert|10000|ft|m|abbr=on}} (econ cruise)
|stall speed mph=69
|stall speed note=(flaps and undercarriage down)
|range km=
|range miles=965
|range nmi=
|range note=(econ cruise, normal fuel)
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=19500
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=1200
|more performance=*'''Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15m):''' {{convert|1545|ft|m|abbr=on}}
*'''Landing distance from 50 ft (15m):''' {{convert|1650|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent
|related=
* [[AVE Mizar]]
* [[O-2 Skymaster]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Adam A500]]
|lists=
|see also=
}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note}}

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

*{{cite book |last1=Fontanellaz |first1=Adrien |last2=Cooper |first2=Tom |last3=Matos |first3=Jose Augusto |title=War of Intervention in Angola, Volume 3: Angolan and Cuban Air Forces, 1975-1985 |date=2020 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-913118-61-7}}
*Taylor, John W. R. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1969–70''. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1969. {{ISBN|0-354-00051-9}}.
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%202334.html "World Air Forces 2004"]. ''[[Flight International]]'', 16–22 November 2004. pp.&nbsp;41–100.

==External links==
{{Commonscat|Cessna 336}}
{{commons and category|Cessna 337}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193746/https://wingsoverkansas.com/photos/cessna/dm/got-away/Cessna327.jpg Photo of the Cessna 327 Baby Skymaster]

{{Cessna}}
{{Thai observation aircraft designations}}

[[Category:Cessna aircraft|Skymaster]]
[[Category:Twin-engined push-pull aircraft]]
[[Category:1960s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Twin-boom aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1961]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear]]