In 1933, Cessna was back in business again, this time with an improved version of the AW, featuring an improved landing gear and a 145-hp engine. This first model, designated the C-34, was possibly the most efficient airplane in its class, and nearly 100 were built.
The first production C-34 is sold in 1935.
Dwane Wallace, the nephew of Clyde Cessna, as a plant manager at no salary had the opportunity to design, build, test, fly, sell and race the company’s products. Wallace designed the C 34, a high-wing, four place cabin monoplane with a 108kW / 145 horsepower Warner Super Scarab engine. The airplane retained the fully cantilevered wing of earlier Cessnas but added flaps.
In June 1935 the prototype Model C-34 first flew, piloted by George Harte. It was capable of achieving a maximum speed of 261km/h. Wallace flew the C-34 for more than 4,000 hours in its first five years, including a trip to Mexico where it reportedly averaged 17 miles per gallon.
Among its racing wins was the Detroit News Trophy for “The World’s Most Efficient Airplane.” Eldon Cessna first won the race in 1931 in a Cessna model AW, after which was shut down due to the depression. However, four years later, it was restarted in 1935, and Cessna test pilot George Harte won the race, followed by another Cessna win in 1936. This triple-win meant that Cessna was allowed to keep the trophy permanently, and the C-34 was designated the world’s most efficient aircraft.
Forty-two were built, two being impressed for USAAF under the designation UC-77B.
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