General Information

Serial #

2226

Part Number

1

Total Parts

1

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

Nicknamed the "Bamboo Bomber" because of its largely wood construction, the Crane had a reputation as a stable and reliable aircraft.

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

10.0 m

Width

12.8 m

Height

3.0 m

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Aviation

Category

Aircraft

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

Cessna

Country

United States of America

State/Province

Kansas

City

Wichita

Context

Country

Unknown

State/Province

Unknown

Period

The Museum specimen was used for training or was in storage with the RCAF from January 1942 to 1962. It was transferred to the Museum in February, 1964.

Canada

Unknown

Function

Unknown

Technical

The Crane was developed as an inexpensive utility transport. In 1940 the RCAF ordered Cranes to supplement the Avro Anson for training pilots on twin-engine aircraft. It is said that this order ensured Cessna's survival. The RCAF received a total of 826 Cranes, all of which operated as pilot trainers in Western Canada. The type continued in the RCAF service until 1947, after which many were sold to private operators. The Crane had many nicknames, including "Wichita Wobbler", and "Bamboo Bomber". In American service it was called the "Bobcat". The Jacobs radial engines were referred to as "Shakey Jakes". Even though the Crane was not an ideal training aircraft, due in part to its poor single-engine performance and load-carrying capability, it adequately filled the training needs of its time.

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

N/A

Missing

N/A

Finish

Unknown

Decoration

N/A