Cessna T-50 Bobcat

Cessna · United States · first flew 1939 · light aircraft

The Cessna T-50 Bobcat was a light twin-engine transport and aircrew trainer widely used during World War II by the USAAF, RCAF, and other Allied air forces. Its mixed wood-and-fabric construction earned it the affectionate nickname 'Bamboo Bomber'.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.98 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Twin-engine WWII crew trainer with wooden construction
Known as 'Bamboo Bomber' due to wood-and-fabric construction
Low-wing monoplane with retractable undercarriage and twin radials

A sleek low-wing monoplane with two small radial engines, a rounded nose with prominent engine cowlings, and a fully retractable undercarriage; the wooden construction gives the fuselage a slightly different surface texture to all-metal contemporaries.

Specifications

The Cessna T-50 Bobcat has a length of 9.98 m (33 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.78 m (42 ft).
Its maximum speed is 298 km/h (185 mph).
Typical crew: 2 flight crew + 3 trainees.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1939, the T-50 was originally designed as a civil light transport but was adapted for military use as a twin-engine crew trainer when war demands expanded. The USAAF ordered it as the AT-8 and AT-17; the RCAF received large numbers as the Crane. It was used to give bomber and transport crews their first multi-engine experience.

Variants

The AT-8 used Lycoming engines; the AT-17 used Continental W-670 radials; the UC-78 was a utility transport version; the Canadian Crane differed in minor detail.

Where you'll see it

Widely used by USAAF and RCAF during World War II for multi-engine transition training; also served with the Chinese Air Force and other Allied nations.

Related aircraft

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