Cockpits, Profiles and Logos
The Cessna 172 is a four seat single engined light aircraft built by the Cessna company of Wichita, Kansas in the United States. The 172 holds the record as the most numerous aircraft ever built at over 44,000 to date. The first production model was delivered in 1956 with production initially ceasing in 1986, however it restarted in 1998 and the aircraft is still in production.
The 172 is a development of the tail-dragger 170 with a tricycle undercarriage, more powerful engine, larger elevators and more angular fin. In the first year of production 1,400 were built. The initial aircraft was powered by the Continental O-300-A engine, this engine has been subsequently upgraded with the new standard engine being the Continental IO-360 but other engines used have included the Superior Air Parts Vantage, the Continental CD-155 diesel engine and there has even been a experimental electrically powered version built.
Besides civilian users, the aircraft has also been used by a number of military operators including the United States Air Force and Army where it was known as the T-41 Mescalero.