In the late 1960s, the Cessna company began modernization work on the Model 172 aircraft family. The aircraft were re-equipped with Lycoming O320E engines, which were cheaper than the O300 engines. The first modification featuring such an engine appeared in 1968.
Early Improvements and Popularity
In 1971, the Model 172K (2055 units) appeared, featuring enlarged rear side cabin glazing and modified wingtips. The Model 172L (1535 aircraft), introduced in 1972, was distinguished by an enlarged dorsal fin extended to the cabin, tubular steel landing gear struts, and a landing light relocated from the leading edge of the left wing to the engine cowling.
In 1973, the Model 172M introduced drooped wing leading edges, which improved stall characteristics. Additionally, this variant had a modified shape of the vertical stabilizer in planform. The Model 172M quickly became popular, with a total of 6825 aircraft of this model built.
Engine Upgrades and New Variants
In 1977, the Model 172N entered production with a 160 hp Lycoming O-320-H2AD engine, but in 1981, due to engine problems, the 172N began to be fitted with the O-320-D2J engine. Based on the 172N, the Model R172K Hawk XP was designed, featuring a 195 hp Continental IO-360-K engine.
In 1980, Cessna released the first Model 172 variant with retractable landing gear – the Model 172RG Cutlass or Cutlass RG – equipped with a 180 hp O-320-E20 engine and a three-blade propeller; 1191 aircraft were built. The fixed-gear variant, the Model 172Q Cutlass (391 aircraft), was released in 1982.
Final Models and Modifications
The last model of this modification, the Model 172P, equipped with a Lycoming O320D engine, appeared in 1985. Based on it, a special high-speed modification, the Model R172 Hawk XP, equipped with an IO360 engine, was released.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Cessna 172N |
| Wingspan, m | 10.92 |
| Aircraft length, m | 8.21 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.68 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.30 |
| Empty weight | 649 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1043 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Lycoming O320H2AD |
| Power, kW | 1 x 160 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 232 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 226 |
| Practical range, km | 1065 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 235 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 4328 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | 3 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 172 Skyhawk
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172(K/P) Skyhawk |