Cessna 185 Skywagon
Initial Design and Features
In July 1960, “Cessna” flew the prototype of the Model 185 Skywagon, later designated Skywagon 195. The new model was closely related to the Model 180 but featured an elongated fuselage and landing gear optimized for operations from unpaved fields. The main external difference was an enlarged dorsal fin for improved directional stability when operating with float landing gear.
The Model 185 was equipped with a 260 hp IO-470-F engine. The number of windows on the sides of the six-seat cabin was increased from two to three. Provisions were made for installing wheeled, ski, wheel-float, or float landing gear. The aircraft was produced in the basic Model 185 Skywagon variant and the more advanced Model 185 Skywagon II.
Production and Agricultural Variants
Production of the Model 185 (275 aircraft) began in 1960, followed by the Model 185A (275 units), which included provisions for an additional fuel tank. Subsequently, improved variants were launched: Model 185B (78 aircraft), Model 185C (89), Model 185D (108), and Model 185E (110).
In 1971, production of the versatile Model A185E AGcarryall, a variant of the Model 185E, began, with a total of 723 such aircraft built. It was designed primarily as an agricultural aircraft but with the capability to perform a wide range of tasks: spraying chemical agents, transporting people and cargo, and training agricultural aviation pilots.
For cargo transport, the aircraft could be equipped with a sliding door. The Model A185E was fitted with an IO-520-D engine. From 1972, a variant optimized for chemical spraying was built, featuring an under-fuselage tank for agents. The final variant was the Model 185F AGcarryall, with 2538 units produced.
Military Service as the U-17
In 1962, the U.S. Air Force began selecting a light multi-purpose aircraft suitable for delivery to other countries under military aid programs. The Model 185 aircraft was chosen, receiving the military designation U-17. A total of 465 aircraft were built in two variants: the U-17A (262 units) based on the Model 185C with a 260 hp IO-470-F engine, and the improved U-17B (205 aircraft) with a 300 hp IO-520-D engine. Additionally, seven U-17C aircraft were built based on the Model 180H with a 230 hp O-470-L engine.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | A185F |
| Wingspan, m | 10.92 |
| Aircraft length, m | 7.81 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.29 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.20 |
| Empty weight | 783 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1520 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Continental IO520D |
| Power, kW | 1 x 300 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 283 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 207 |
| Practical range, km | 1575 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 328 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 5456 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | 5 passengers or a tank for 571 liters of chemicals |
Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 185 Skywagon
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ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team
A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.
Sources & Accuracy
The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.