On February 14, 1978, the aircraft designated Cessna Model 303 Clipper took to the air. It was a four-seater, low-wing monoplane featuring a supercritical wing profile, retractable tricycle landing gear, and a swept vertical empennage. The powerplant consisted of two Lycoming O320 engines, each producing 160 hp.
Before certification tests, this aircraft was replaced by the six-seater Model T303 variant. This new version featured two more powerful turbocharged Continental TSIO520 engines with fuel injection, fitted with constant-speed McCauley propellers. This aircraft was named the Crusader.
Development and Features
The first flight of the Crusader took place on October 17, 1979. In addition to its standard features, the Crusader included a full set of electronic equipment for instrument flight. The aircraft’s handling was positively influenced by its high-mounted empennage and counter-rotating propellers.
The aircraft’s certification was completed in August 1981, with deliveries of production models commencing in October of the same year.
Production and Modernization
In 1982 and 1983, the aircraft underwent modernization; a de-icing system was installed, and the rear cabin bulkhead was shifted aft. This modification increased baggage space and allowed for an additional cargo door. When production ended in 1985, a total of 297 aircraft had been manufactured.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Cessna T303 |
| Wingspan, m | 11.90 |
| Length, m | 9.27 |
| Height, m | 4.06 |
| Wing area, m2 | 17.60 |
| Empty weight | 1526 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 2336 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Continental TSIO520AE |
| Power, hp | 1 x 250 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 400 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 363 |
| Economical speed, km/h | 333 |
| Practical range, km | 1890 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 451 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 6096 |
| Crew, crew | 1 |
| Payload | 4-5 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 303 Crusader
 Cessna 303 Crusader |
 Cessna 303 Crusader |
 Cessna 303 Crusader |
 Cessna 303 Crusader |
 Cessna 303 Crusader |