The 172 family of aircraft was mass-produced for 31 years. However, in the mid-1980s, their sales sharply declined due to laws adopted in the USA, which held the manufacturer responsible for every incident involving their aircraft. Production of the Model 172 ceased in 1986 but resumed in 1996 after changes in legislation.
Production History and Revival
At that time, the Model 172R Skyhawk variant went into series production. This version was an evolution of the 172N, featuring a 160 hp direct-injection IO-360-L2A engine and a two-bladed constant-pitch metal propeller. Deliveries of the 172R commenced in 1997.
Model Evolution and Enhancements
In 1998, Cessna announced the development of the Model 172S Skyhawk SP. The main distinguishing feature was a 180 hp Textron Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. The instrument panel was updated and remained consistent, of the conventional analog type, until 2009. In that year, SP cabins began to feature two Garmin G1000 system displays, built with ‘synthetic vision’ technology and utilizing satellite navigation.
In 2000, Cessna released a limited series, the Millennium Edition. This edition represented an improved variant of the SP, highlighting the continuous innovation of the 172 series in general aviation.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | 172R(172SP) |
| Wingspan, m | 11.00 |
| Aircraft length, m | 8.20 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.72 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.20 |
| Empty weight | 726 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1111(1156) |
| Internal fuel, l | 200.6 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Textron Lycoming IO-360-L2A |
| Power, kW | 1 x 160(180) |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 228 (233) |
| Cruising speed, km/h | (226) |
| Minimum speed, km/h | 87 |
| Practical range, km | 1074 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | (216) |
| Practical ceiling, m | 4114 |
| Crew, crew | 1 |
| Payload | 3 passengers with 54 kg of baggage or 389 (434) kg of cargo |
Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 172R(SP) Skyhawk
 Cessna 172R(SP) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172R(SP) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172R(SP) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172R(SP) Skyhawk |
 Cessna 172R(SP) Skyhawk |