Cessna T303 Crusader
Cessna · United States · first flew 1978 · light aircraft
The Cessna T303 Crusader is an American twin-engine piston light transport featuring a pressurised cabin and counter-rotating propellers, designed for business and charter use. Introduced in 1981 after a lengthy development, it offers six-seat capacity with turbocharged performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.27 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- American twin-engine pressurised low-wing piston executive aircraft
- Counter-rotating Continental TSIO-520 engines eliminating critical-engine handling
- Six-seat pressurised cabin with oval windows and airstair door
Clean low-wing twin with a rounded pressurised fuselage, counter-rotating propellers (blade-pitch angles opposite on each side), oval cabin windows, and a conventional swept fin; more compact than the Cessna 421 and identifiable by its T-tail-free conventional empennage.
Specifications
- The Cessna T303 Crusader has a length of 9.27 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.48 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 401 km/h (249 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Cessna began development of the T303 in the mid-1970s to replace the older 310 and 320 series, aiming for a cleaner, more modern twin with improved safety. The prototype first flew in 1978 and production aircraft entered service in 1981. Counter-rotating TSIO-520 engines eliminate the critical-engine asymmetric thrust problem. Production ended in 1984 with approximately 300 built.
Variants
The T303 was offered in a single configuration with minor avionics updates; no cargo or military versions entered production.
Where you'll see it
Operated by private owners, business travellers, and charter operators across North America and internationally; examples remain in active service today.
Related aircraft
- Cessna 303 Crusader
- Cessna 425 Conquest I
- Cessna 152
- Cessna Citation I SP
- Acro Sport II
- Embraer EMB 810D Seneca
- Fuji T-3
- Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond
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