Cessna 177 Cardinal history, performance and specifications
Developed to
replace the 172 family, the 177 entered the
market at about the same time as the late
model Cessna 172, at a price about 10%
higher. It was available as the basic 177 or
as an up-spec Cardinal. Although successful
enough, despite a fairly spacious cabin with
a rear-fitted wing giving good visibility,
an all-moving tailplane and a high level of
standard equipment, it failed to compete
well with the 172, being perceived as
underpowered.
In late 1968, the 177A was introduced, with
a 180 hp O-360-A engine. It was followed in
1970 by the 177B, and the Cardinal Classic
with full IFR instrumentation and more
luxurious appointments.
The last
development was the 177RG, with retracting
undercarriage. Production of the 177B and
177RG ended in 1978.
4240 177s were built between 1968 and 1978,
including 1490 RGs (including 176 RGs by
Reims in France).
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