Cessna 620

Cessna 620
Role Corporate aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft
First flight 11 August 1956
Status Project cancelled
Number built 1


The Cessna Model 620 was a prototype American pressurized eight to 10 seat business airplane powered by four piston engines and built by Cessna. First flight was on 11 August 1956. Only one example (c/n 620, N620E) was built.[1]

The airplane's model number is an inside joke, as it indicates the 620 is twice the airplane that a Cessna 310 is.[2]

A promotional film titled Eye to the Sky was produced as a recruiting tool for new engineers. The 620 was canceled the day after it was first shown to students at Wichita State University.[2]

Development

The Cessna 620 was conceived as an executive transport with design goals that included all-weather capabilities, a pressurized and air-conditioned cabin, a multi-engine layout for safety, a reasonable price and 8 to 10 seats. The project commenced in September 1953, with first flight of the prototype, registered N620E (construction number 620) on 11 August 1956, the test pilots reporting that the aircraft had met its goals.[3]

With the airlines set to re-equip with the then-new jet airliners, Cessna management identified that surplus propeller-driven airliners would soon flood the used aircraft market, driving prices down. A cost analysis indicated that the model 620 would be smaller and cost more than the surplus airliners and thus was not economically viable. The project was cancelled in October 1957, one aircraft having been completed.[3] The airplane was eventually sold for scrap.[1]

NOTE: Former Cessna engineer Harry Clements, who worked on the 620, has extensively written and spoken publicly on the subject of the 620, often expressing opinions different from prevailing history of the 620. His writings on the subject include his autobiography, Dash thy Foot, and an article about the 620 in Business and Commercial Aviation magazine.

Specifications

Data from Phillips[1]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Phillips, Edward H.: Wings of Cessna, Model 120 to the Citation III, Flying Books, 1986. ISBN 0-911139-05-2
  2. 1 2 Rodengen, Jeffery L: The Legend of Cessna, Wright Stuff Enterprise, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0-945903-30-8
  3. 1 2 Dupas, Ron. "Cessna 620." 1000aircraftphotos.com. Retrieved: July 15, 2011.|
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