Cessna 190
Cessna · United States · first flew 1945 · light aircraft
The Cessna 190 is a postwar four-seat high-wing lightplane distinguished by its unusual Continental W-670 radial engine, giving it a classic round-nose appearance unlike the flat-four Cessnas that dominated production in the same era. It was produced alongside the near-identical 195.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.62 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing all-metal US lightplane with radial engine
- Continental W-670 seven-cylinder radial in round cowl
- Four-seat cabin with distinctive radial nose profile
The radial engine cowling is the instant recognition feature — a round blunt nose on an otherwise conventional Cessna high-wing platform, immediately distinguishing it from the flat-engined 170 or 180.
Specifications
- The Cessna 190 has a length of 7.62 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.02 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 298 km/h (185 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Cessna introduced the 190/195 series in 1947 as a premium touring aircraft, offering spacious seating and the rugged radial engine. The 190 used the 240 hp Continental W-670 while the 195 used larger Jacobs engines. Production ran until 1954 with approximately 1,180 total aircraft built across both variants.
Variants
The 190 and 195 differ only in engine; the 195A and 195B are sub-variants with progressively more powerful Jacobs R-755 engines. No significant structural differences exist between marks.
Where you'll see it
Popular with private owners, bush operators, and small charter companies across North America; the type has a loyal following and many remain airworthy.
Related aircraft
- Cessna 140
- Cessna 195
- Cessna 120
- Cessna C-106 Loadmaster
- Auster J/1 Autocrat
- Beechcraft Bonanza (V35)
- Harakka
- IPT-7 Junior
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