In late September 1967, Cessna began producing the Model 177, aiming to expand the market for single-engine aircraft. This aircraft was a further development of the Model 172, featuring an enlarged cabin, an expanded set of instrumentation, and a cantilever wing derived from the Model 210.
To reduce airframe weight, integral fuel tanks were installed in the wing, and an improved Cessna “LAND-O-MATIC” landing gear was fitted. Additionally, an all-moving (controllable) stabilator and a vertical empennage with a larger chord were added, enhancing the overall design.
Development and First Flight
The conceptual prototype, designated Model 172J, made its first flight on July 15, 1966. The standard base variant, the Model 177 Cardinal, was released with an enhanced comfort cabin and equipment allowing for instrument flights, targeting a more demanding market.
The first variant, the Model 177A (206 aircraft), was powered by an IO-360-A2F engine generating 180 horsepower. In 1969, the Model 177B (1381 aircraft) appeared, equipped with a fixed-pitch propeller, a modified wing center section, and a new engine cowling, seeking to optimize its performance.
Evolution and Later Versions
By this time, it became evident that increasing sales of the Model 177 family aircraft, which were quite expensive by market standards, could only be achieved by improving their flight performance. This led to the pursuit of new features and enhancements in subsequent models.
In 1971, the Cardinal II emerged, featuring more advanced onboard avionics. Although the production of the original Model 177 variant ceased in 1976, the manufacturing of the other four Cardinal variants continued. Two years later, Cardinal production was halted, and the Cardinal II was renamed Cardinal Classic.
End of Production
Serial production was definitively discontinued in 1978. In total, over 4000 Model 177 Cardinal aircraft were built, leaving a significant legacy in Cessna’s single-engine aviation history.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Cessna 177 |
| Wingspan, m | 10.85 |
| Aircraft length, m | 8.22 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.77 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.20 |
| Empty weight | 608 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1067 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Lycoming O320E2D |
| Power, kW | 1 x 150 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 227 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 210 |
| Practical range, km | 1215 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 204 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 3870 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Payload | 3 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 177 Cardinal
 Cessna 177 Cardinal |
 Cessna 177 Cardinal |
 Cessna 177 Cardinal |
 Cessna 177 Cardinal |
 Cessna 177 Cardinal. Photo: aopa.org |
 Cessna 177 Cardinal |