Cessna 310
Cessna · United States · first flew 1953 · light aircraft
The Cessna 310 is a sleek 1950s light piston twin famous for its wingtip fuel tanks and clean retractable-gear lines.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.23 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin wing-mounted piston engines on a low wing
- Distinctive wingtip fuel tanks at the wing ends
- Sleek retractable-gear twin with a swept fin
The signature is the pair of wingtip fuel tanks, straight on early models and canted from the 310G, combined with two low-wing engine nacelles and retractable gear.
Specifications
- The Cessna 310 has a length of 8.23 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.67 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 354 km/h (220 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 4 pax.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in January 1953, the 310 gave Cessna a fast, modern five- to six-seat twin and earned a reputation for its smart, almost jet-like styling. It stayed in production for nearly three decades through a long run of refinements.
Variants
Early aircraft carried straight tip tanks; the 310G of 1961 introduced the canted 'stabila-tip' tanks. The line ran to the 310R, with turbocharged T310 models and the military U-3 'Blue Canoe' liaison version.
Where you'll see it
Uncommon on UK club lines, the 310 appears mainly with private owners, twin enthusiasts and the occasional charter or air-taxi operator, valued for its speed and ramp presence rather than as a trainer.
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