The Cessna 170 first appeared on the American market in 1948 as a four-seat version of the earlier all-metal two-seat Cessna 120 and the four-seat Cessna 140. The 140, which had been lengthened, had extra windows fitted as well as having an electric starter motor installed. The first 170 had a fabric-covered wing, two wing struts on each side, and a vertical tail.
Metal covered wings, and one wing strut in place of two and a new dorsal fin, were introduced on the 1949 model 170A, and the model was improved in 1952 as the all-metal 170B (2,907 built) with L-19 type flaps, followed later by the CE-170C.
The 1953 CE-170B featured a number of new features including a redesigned and lengthened engine cowl. The 1955 version featured enlarged rear windows, an additional flap position (10 degrees) and revised tailwheel steering.
In 1955 the company developed the Model 172, which was essentially a Model 170B with detail improvements and the tailwheel landing gear replaced by a spatted tricycle unit.
The 170’s 145-hp Continental delivers 65 percent power at 5,000 feet pressure altitude turning 2,450 rpm, and produces 120 mph true using only eight USG per hour. Since later model Cessnas, with a similar engine, cruise at 2700 rpm, the 170’s recommended cruise setting should extend engine life.
In 1956 some 1,170 Model 172s were sold, compared with 174 of the Model 170B, whose production was terminated.
By the time production ceased in 1957, 5,174 Cessna 170s had been built.
170B
Engine: Continenal O-300, 145 hp@2700@SL
TBO: 1800 hrs
Fuel type: 80/87 Autogas STC
Propeller: McCauley two-blade fixed
Max ramp weight:2200lb
Gross weight: 2200 lb
Landing weight: 2200 lb
Empty weight, std: 1220 lb
Useful load, std: 980 lb
Payload, full std. fuel: 728 lb
Usable fuel: 37 USgal
Wingspan: 36 ft.
Overall length: 25 ft.
Height: 6 ft. 5 in.
Wing area:174.6 sq. ft
Wing loading: 12.6 lbs./sq. ft
Power loading: 15 lbs./hp
Wheel size: 6.00 x 6 in
Seating capacity: 4
Cabin doors: 2
Cabin width: 40 in
Cabin height: 48 in
Baggage capacity:120lb
Cruise speed 75% power @ 5,000 ft: 114kt
Cruise speed 65% power @ 7,500 ft: 109 kt
Cruise speed 55% power @ 7,500 ft: 102 kt
Vne: 160 mph.
Max range (w/ reserve) 75% power: 325 nm
Max range (w/ reserve) 65% power: 376 nm
Max range (w/ reserve) 55% power: 437 nm
Fuel consumption 75% power: 9.6 USgph
Fuel consumption 65% power: 8.3 USgph
Fuel consumption 55% power: 7.0 USgph
Estimated endurance (65%): 3.7 hr
Stall speed (flaps up): 50knot
Stall speed (flaps down):45 knots
Best rate of climb (SL): 660 fpm
Service ceiling: 14,000 ft
Takeoff ground roll: 650 ft
Landing ground roll: 460 ft
1976 CE-170B
Engine: 145 hp Continental C145-2
Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 24 ft 11.5 in
Height: 6 ft 7 in
Wing area: 174 sq.ft
Empty weight: 1205 lb
Loaded weight: 2200 lb
Max speed: 143 mph
Cruise: 75%: 121 mph
ROC: 690 fpm
Service ceiling: 15,500 ft
Normal range: 590 mi
All Aero 