Cessna 303 Crusader

On February 14, 1978, the aircraft designated Cessna Model 303 Clipper took to the air. It was a four-seater, low-wing monoplane featuring a supercritical wing profile, retractable tricycle landing gear, and a swept vertical empennage. The powerplant consisted of two Lycoming O320 engines, each producing 160 hp.

Before certification tests, this aircraft was replaced by the six-seater Model T303 variant. This new version featured two more powerful turbocharged Continental TSIO520 engines with fuel injection, fitted with constant-speed McCauley propellers. This aircraft was named the Crusader.

Development and Features

The first flight of the Crusader took place on October 17, 1979. In addition to its standard features, the Crusader included a full set of electronic equipment for instrument flight. The aircraft’s handling was positively influenced by its high-mounted empennage and counter-rotating propellers.

The aircraft’s certification was completed in August 1981, with deliveries of production models commencing in October of the same year.

Production and Modernization

In 1982 and 1983, the aircraft underwent modernization; a de-icing system was installed, and the rear cabin bulkhead was shifted aft. This modification increased baggage space and allowed for an additional cargo door. When production ended in 1985, a total of 297 aircraft had been manufactured.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Cessna T303
Wingspan, m	11.90
Length, m	9.27
Height, m	4.06
Wing area, m2	17.60
Empty weight	1526
Maximum takeoff weight	2336
Engine type	1 Piston engine Continental TSIO520AE
Power, hp	1 x 250
Maximum speed, km/h	400
Cruising speed, km/h	363
Economical speed, km/h	333
Practical range, km	1890
Maximum rate of climb, m/min	451
Practical ceiling, m	6096
Crew, crew	1
Payload	4-5 passengers

Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 303 Crusader

Cessna 303 Crusader	Cessna 303 Crusader
Cessna 303 Crusader	Cessna 303 Crusader
Cessna 303 Crusader