Cessna Model T303 Crusader

1978

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Cessna Model T303 Crusader

On 14 February 1978 Cessna flew the prototype (N303PD) of a new lightweight twin-engined aircraft which it then designated Cessna Model 303 Clipper. In this prototype form it was a four-seat aircraft of low-wing monoplane configuration with the wing incorporating a super-critical aerofoil section. Other features included retractable tricycle landing gear, swept vertical tail surfaces with a long dorsal fin, extensive use of bonded construction and power-plant comprising two 119kW engines. Before the certification programme began it was superseded by a new Model T303 which reverted to conventional construction, had six-seat accommodation, was powered by two turbocharged engines of increased output, and had acquired the new name Crusader because the earlier title of Clipper infringed a US trademark.

Cessna claimed the Crusader was the first lightweight twin of its class to have full IFR avionics and equipment as standard, and that handling of the aircraft benefited from the high set tailplane, coupled with unusually, counter rotating engines, which minimise engine torque effect. Production model Crusaders were certificated in August 1981, and first deliveries followed in October. When production ceased in 1986 297 had been delivered.

3-View 
Cessna Model T303 CrusaderA three-view drawing (1000 x 607)

Specification 
 MODELT303
 ENGINE1 x Continental TSIO-520-AE + 1 x LTSIO-520-AE turbocharged counter-rotating flat-six piston engines, 186kW each
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight2336 kg5150 lb
  Empty weight1499 kg3305 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan11.9 m39 ft 1 in
  Length9.27 m30 ft 5 in
  Height4.06 m13 ft 4 in
  Wing area17.58 m2189.23 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed400 km/h249 mph
  Cruise speed363 km/h226 mph
  Ceiling7620 m25000 ft
  Range1889 km1174 miles

Comments
T303 seller, e-mail, 11.08.2023 01:03

The original prototype aircraft, N303PD, will be sold without engine on 8 /25 /2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

See gov deals dot com and search Cessna T 303.

reply

Ronald T MOORE, e-mail, 11.05.2021 17:46

i owned and flew N1919V a 1984 Crusader for nearly 20 years and loved every moment of that fine aircraft. it was surprisingly roomy with tons of comfort for passengers. I would love to have it back but the IRS frowned on me using it for my business after I sold the company which made the cost to continue stupid.

reply

Aircharter Picard, e-mail, 07.08.2012 03:00

Great aircraft with good short TO and LDG capabilities and low empty weights. A little weak brakes, however sturdy gear. Dependable engines, only their starter drives are a mess.
A real pleasure to fly.
air-charter-picard.de

reply

Brian Groves, e-mail, 06.03.2012 16:15

Owned N6498V since Jan 1990. Absolutely fabulous aeroplane!

reply

sandeep Pradhan, e-mail, 17.12.2011 18:24

One of the Finest model aircraft

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John Cutcliffe, e-mail, 13.05.2011 08:18

My e-mail address denotes my great appreciation for the wonderful times in my 303. Could not have a single improvement for the purpose intended. GREAT AIRPLANE

reply

Christiano Casanova, e-mail, 05.08.2010 02:12

not fast but great why stop a good thing

reply

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