Initial Development and Features
In May 1952, a modified version of the Model 170 aircraft, equipped with a more powerful engine, made its first flight. Utilizing the all-metal wing with flaps from the Model 170B, the new Model 180 Skywagon featured a new fuselage and tail section (with a nearly rectangular fin in plan and an adjustable stabilizer), as well as a 225-horsepower 6-cylinder Continental O-470-A engine. The more powerful engine allowed for an increase in maximum takeoff weight by 159 kg while maintaining the same wing area.
Success and Variant Evolution
Deliveries of the Model 180 began in 1953, and the aircraft quickly became popular, especially in agricultural aviation and remote areas of the USA and Canada, where its excellent takeoff and landing capabilities, similar to STOL aircraft, proved very useful. The aircraft were also used in float and wheel-float (amphibious) landing gear variants. Approximately 3000 Model 180 aircraft were built in the basic configuration.
In 1956, the Model 180A appeared (356 aircraft built) with a 230 hp O-470-K engine. In 1959, it was followed by the Model 180B (306 aircraft) with new instrumentation and a modified engine cowling. The Model 180C (250 aircraft) featured a constant-speed propeller. The Model 180 family also includes an improved version of the Model 180C, named Model 180D (152 aircraft); the Model 180E (118 aircraft), which appeared in 1962 with a modified fuel system; the six-seater Model 180F (129 aircraft); and the Model 180G (133 aircraft), with the option to increase passenger capacity to six and an enlarged cabin glazing area.
Later Variants and End of Production
In 1970, deliveries of the Model 180H began (830 aircraft built, later named Skywagon 180), an improved version of the Model 180G. In 1973, the Model 180J (486 aircraft) appeared with landing and taxi lights installed on the engine cowling, followed by the Model 180K with an O-470-U engine. Before the cessation of its serial production, the Model 180 was available in two variants: the basic Model 180 Skywagon and the improved Model 180 Skywagon II with a factory-installed avionics suite. Serial production of the Model 180 concluded in September 1981, with over 6000 aircraft delivered in total.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Cessna 180 |
| Wingspan, m | 10.98 |
| Aircraft length, m | 7.98 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.29 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.20 |
| Empty weight | 690 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1158 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Continental O470A |
| Power, kW | 1 x 225 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 267 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 260 |
| Practical range, km | 1247 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 351 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 6096 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | 3 passengers (180) or 5 passengers (180 Skywagon) |
Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 180 Skywagon
 Cessna 180 Skywagon |
 Cessna 180 Skywagon |
 Cessna 180 Skywagon |
 Cessna 180 Skywagon |
 Cessna 180 Skywagon |
 Cessna 180 Skywagon |