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Cessna Cardinal: Performance Specs

Released in 1968 as the intended successor to the Cessna 172, the Cessna 177 was given the name "Cardinal." The Cardinal is a four-place, single-engine land aircraft introduced to the general aviation segment of the aircraft market. However, popularity of the 172 design remained strong enough for production to continue beyond the production life of the Cardinal. Production of the Cardinal ended in 1978 with 4240 177s manufactured, of which 1490 were retractable gear models known as the Cardinal RG.

Aircraft Design
- The Cardinal -- while retaining Cessna's high-wing design -- made slight departures from the other Cessna models in the same class (single-engine, land). The cantilevered wing lacks wing struts (a beam runs across the ceiling of the cabin, unlike the 172) and is placed farther back on the fuselage to allow greater pilot visibility. The farther aft-mounted airfoil requires a windshield with greater slope, giving the Cardinal a sleeker appearance. The empannage (rear tail surfaces) incorporates a one-piece stabilator -- similar to the Piper aircraft designs -- in place of the elevator found on other Cessna models. Additionally, the Cardinal has a lower profile on the ground than the 172 because of its shorter main landing gear.
Fixed-Gear Cessna 177
- The fixed gear 177 uses a tricycle landing gear configuration. Performance specifications vary depending on the particular model. Power is rated from 150 to 180 horsepower. Top speed is 125 to 139 knots with a cruise of 117 to 130 knots and a stall speed of 46 knots. Gross weight is 2,350 to 2,500 lbs. and empty weight is 1,415 to 1,643 lbs.
  
  Takeoff and landing ground roll is as much as 845 and 600 feet, respectively. Takeoff and landing (over a 50-foot obstacle) is as much as 1,575 and 1,220 feet, respectively. Fuel capacity is 49 to 50 gallons with a range of 590 to 490 nautical miles. The rate of climb is 670 to 840 feet per minute with a ceiling of 12,700 to 15,800 feet.
Retractable-Gear Cessna 177
- The RG model has more power than the fixed-gear models but also carries more weight because of the retractable landing gear. Performance, depending on the model year, is slightly better than the fixed gear 177 because of less aerodynamic drag. Horsepower is 200 with a top speed of 153 to 157 knots, a cruise speed of 144 to 149 and a stall speed of 50 knots. Gross weight is 2,800 lbs. and empty weight is 1,630 to 1,735 lbs.
  
  Takeoff and landing ground roll is 890 and 730 feet, respectively. Takeoff and landing (over a 50-foot obstacle) is as much as 1,585 feet and 1350 feet, respectively. Fuel capacity is 51 to 61 gallons, and the range is 506 to 500 nautical miles. Rate of climb is 860 to 925 feet per minute, and the ceiling is 16,900 to 17,100 feet.

Aviation