Cessna 185 Skywagon

Cessna 185 Skywagon
Country	USA
Role	Light utility aircraft
First flight	July 1960
Built	4400+

The Cessna A-185F Skywagon is a single-engine, high-wing, six-seat light utility aircraft produced by the American manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company. It is a development of the Cessna 180 model, with a more powerful engine, a larger cabin, and a tailwheel landing gear. The A-185F model was introduced in 1973 and featured a fuel-injected Continental IO-520-D engine with 300 hp, a three-blade propeller, and a dorsal fin for improved stability. The A-185F also had a larger baggage compartment, a wider rear window, and an optional belly cargo pod. The A-185F was the last Skywagon model to be produced, as Cessna discontinued the line in 1985. The A-185F is popular among bush pilots, who use it for various missions such as charter flights, aerial photography, firefighting, skydiving, and humanitarian aid. The A-185F has a maximum speed of 155 knots, a range of 845 nautical miles, and a service ceiling of 17,150 feet. The A-185F is known for its ruggedness, reliability, and versatility.

Source: Cessna 185 Skywagon on Wikipedia

Cessna A185F Skywagon Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Hiller Museum Sea Plane Fly-in 2013
Photos	79

Cessna A-185F Skywagon 72

Cessna A-185F Skywagon 74

Cessna A-185F Skywagon 75

Cessna A-185F Skywagon 76

Cessna A-185F Skywagon 77

Cessna A-185F Skywagon 79

Cessna A-185F Skywagon 78

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General Characteristics (A185F Variant)

The Cessna 185 Skywagon is a rugged, high-wing, single-engine utility aircraft designed for general aviation and demanding operations in remote areas. Introduced as a more powerful version of the Cessna 180, the 185 is famous for its exceptional useful load and conventional (tailwheel) landing gear, making it a favorite among bush pilots and operators requiring short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities.

Property	Typical Value (A185F Landplane)
Role	Utility Aircraft / Bush Plane / Light Transport
Manufacturer	Cessna Aircraft Company
Production Years	1961–1985
Crew	1 pilot
Capacity	Up to 5 passengers (6 total occupants)
Wingspan	10.92 m (35 ft 10 in)
Length	7.85 m (25 ft 9 in)
Max Takeoff Weight	1,520 kg (3,350 lb)

Design and Powerplant

Engine: One Continental IO-520-D six-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-cooled piston engine (on later models).
Power Output: 224 kW (300 hp) for takeoff (285 hp continuous).
Propeller: Typically a 2-bladed or optional 3-bladed constant-speed propeller.
Fuselage: All-metal monocoque construction with a high wing and fixed, non-retractable conventional (tailwheel) landing gear.
Versatility: Can be easily converted to various roles, often fitted with floats (seaplane) or skis for operation on water or snow/ice, thanks to its high useful load and power.
Useful Load: The high useful load (up to 1,600+ lb) is a key feature, allowing it to carry substantial cargo or full fuel/passengers simultaneously.

Performance and Key Features

Max Cruise Speed: Up to 269 km/h (167 mph, 145 knots).
Maximum Range: Approximately 1,330 km (720 nautical miles) with standard fuel.
Service Ceiling: 5,230 m (17,150 ft).
Rate of Climb: Approximately 5.1 m/s (1,010 ft/min).
STOL Performance: Known for its short field performance, with a ground roll of approximately 251 m (825 ft) at maximum weight, ideal for unimproved strips.
Cargo: Later models (A185F) included a large baggage area and the option for bubble side windows, a cargo pod (adding 300 lb capacity), or a spray rig (AgCarryall variant).