Cessna U-3A
Cessna · United States · first flew 1957 · transport aircraft
The Cessna U-3A is the United States military designation for the Cessna 310, a light twin-engine monoplane used for liaison and administrative transport duties. It was adopted by the USAF as an economical alternative to larger transport aircraft for inter-base communications.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.99 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Military designation for the Cessna 310 light twin
- Twin wing-mounted piston engines with tip tanks
- Low-wing all-metal twin with retractable undercarriage
Distinguished by its two wing-mounted engines with distinctive tip tanks, low wing, retractable tricycle undercarriage, and swept vertical tail — the military U-3A is externally identical to the civil Cessna 310.
Specifications
- The Cessna U-3A has a length of 8.99 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.25 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 378 km/h (235 mph).
- Typical crew: 1+4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Cessna 310 first flew in 1954 and was ordered by the USAF as the L-27A (later redesignated U-3A) for utility transport. The Blue Canoe, as it was nicknamed, served at bases worldwide throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Variants
The U-3B was a version with a larger cabin window arrangement; both were based on the Cessna 310 airframe.
Where you'll see it
Served with the USAF and other US government agencies for liaison duties; the type was retired from military use by the 1970s.
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- Mil Mi-6
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