The Cardinal was designed as a replacement for the venerable C172 Skyhawk and indeed was a very good aircraft. However, it suffered from a couple of major drawbacks. Initially, it had some control difficulties around the stall speed, and it was more complex and therefore more difficult an expensive to produce. As a result, it was never really successful, and only produced in (relatively) small numbers.
Not yet complete, this design incorporates simple design with strong, laser-cut ply and balsa parts. At 2m span, it is just a little under 1/5 scale, and will fly quite comfortably on a 20cc – 33cc engine.
Laser-cut short kits wil be available when the design is completed and prototypes flown and tested
Laser-cut short kits are available. Just email us for details.
Cessna 177 Cardinal – Design, Development, Production and Performance
The Cessna 177 Cardinal was developed as a modern replacement for the immensely successful Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Introduced in 1968, it incorporated several advanced design features that distinguished it from previous Cessna light aircraft, including a cantilever high wing without lift struts, a stabilator in place of a conventional elevator, and improved cabin access and visibility. Although it never displaced the 172 as Cessna had originally intended, the Cardinal became one of the company’s most innovative and technically advanced fixed-gear light aircraft. Approximately 4,295 aircraft (including the retractable-gear 177RG) were produced between 1968 and 1978.
Origins
During the mid-1960s, Cessna sought to replace the ageing but highly successful 172 with a more modern aircraft. The objectives included:
- improved pilot visibility
- easier cabin access
- higher cruise speed
- more contemporary styling
- reduced aerodynamic drag
- increased passenger comfort
Initially, the aircraft was expected to enter production as the 172J, but the design differed so substantially from the existing Skyhawk that it was redesignated Model 177, receiving the marketing name Cardinal.
Design Philosophy
The Cardinal represented a significant departure from traditional Cessna practice.
Its principal design goals were:
- eliminate wing struts to reduce drag
- improve upward visibility
- provide larger cabin doors
- modernise cockpit ergonomics
- improve handling
- retain forgiving flight characteristics
The result was an aircraft that looked and flew quite differently from earlier Cessna singles.
Airframe Design
Wing
Perhaps the Cardinal’s most distinctive feature is its cantilever high wing.
Unlike the 172, the wing required no external lift struts.
Characteristics include:
- all-metal stressed-skin construction
- single carry-through spar
- semi-tapered planform
- electrically operated Fowler flaps
- NACA laminar-flow aerofoil
The elimination of wing struts provided:
- reduced parasite drag
- cleaner airflow
- improved upward and side visibility
- easier boarding
A structural consequence of the cantilever wing was the installation of a large carry-through spar above the cabin, requiring a lower roofline than on earlier Cessnas.
Stabilator
The Cardinal became the first production Cessna single-engine aircraft to use a full-flying stabilator instead of a conventional horizontal stabiliser and elevator.
Advantages included:
- greater pitch authority
- lighter control forces
- improved trim response
- compensation for the wing’s rearward location
To improve pilot feel and stability, the stabilator incorporated an anti-servo tab that increased control forces with deflection.
Fuselage
The fuselage employed conventional semi-monocoque aluminium construction.
Features included:
- large forward-opening cabin doors
- four-seat cabin
- generous baggage compartment
- excellent shoulder room
- low cabin floor for easy entry
The wing was positioned further aft than on previous Cessna designs, allowing unobstructed access through the doors.
Cockpit
The Cardinal cockpit was noticeably more modern than that of the 172.
Typical equipment included:
- dual flight controls
- conventional six-pack instrumentation
- centre-mounted engine controls
- improved ventilation
- overhead wing root providing excellent visibility
Many surviving aircraft have been upgraded with:
- Garmin G5 or G3X displays
- Garmin GTN navigators
- digital engine monitors
- modern autopilots
- ADS-B equipment
Landing Gear
Fixed Gear Models
The original 177, 177A and 177B featured:
- fixed tricycle undercarriage
- spring steel main landing gear
- steerable nosewheel
- hydraulic disc brakes
Retractable Gear
In 1971, Cessna introduced the 177RG Cardinal RG.
Features included:
- hydraulically retractable landing gear
- constant-speed propeller
- higher-powered engine
- significantly improved cruise performance
The 177RG became the fastest member of the Cardinal family.
Powerplant Development
1968 C177
The first production model was powered by:
Lycoming O-320-E2D
- four-cylinder
- air-cooled
- carburetted
- 150 hp
The original model was criticised for being underpowered, particularly at high weights and density altitudes.
1969 C177A
Changes included:
- revised wing incidence
- improved stabilator control feel
- better low-speed handling
Power remained:
150 hp
1970–1978 C177B
The aircraft received:
Lycoming O-360-A1F6D
- 180 hp
This transformed the aircraft’s performance and greatly improved its climb rate and cruise speed.
177RG
Powered by:
Lycoming IO-360-A1B6D
- fuel injected
- 200 hp
- constant-speed propeller
This version offered performance approaching that of many contemporary retractable-gear touring aircraft.
Aerodynamic Innovations
Several design features contributed to the Cardinal’s performance:
- strutless wing
- laminar-flow aerofoil
- smooth wing-fuselage fairings
- stabilator pitch control
- streamlined wheel fairings (optional)
- relatively clean fuselage lines
These innovations produced lower drag than comparable fixed-gear aircraft.
Production
Manufacturer:
Cessna Aircraft Company
Production location:
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Production years:
1968–1978
Approximately 4,295 aircraft were produced.
Production by variant was approximately:
| Variant | Years |
|---|---|
| 177 | 1968 |
| 177A | 1969 |
| 177B | 1970–1978 |
| 177RG | 1971–1978 |
Although technically advanced, sales never matched those of the less expensive and more familiar Cessna 172, which remained in parallel production and ultimately became one of the best-selling aircraft in history.
Specifications (C177B)
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
| Passengers | 3 |
| Length | 27 ft 3 in (8.32 m) |
| Wingspan | 35 ft 7 in (10.86 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 8 in (2.65 m) |
| Wing Area | 174 sq ft (16.2 m²) |
| Empty Weight | 1,460–1,640 lb (662–745 kg) |
| Maximum Take-off Weight | 2,500 lb (1,134 kg) |
| Engine | Lycoming O-360-A1F6D |
| Power | 180 hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 US gal standard (61 US gal optional long-range) |
Performance (C177B)
| Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 139 kt (257 km/h) |
| Normal Cruise | 130 kt (240 km/h) |
| Stall Speed (landing configuration) | 46 kt (85 km/h) |
| Initial Rate of Climb | 840 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 14,600 ft (4,450 m) |
| Maximum Range | Up to 942 NM with long-range tanks |
| Take-off Over 50 ft Obstacle | 1,400 ft (426 m) |
| Landing Over 50 ft Obstacle | 1,220 ft (371 m) |
Performance (177RG)
The retractable-gear Cardinal RG offered a significant improvement:
| Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 156 kt (288 km/h) |
| Recommended Cruise | 148 kt |
| Initial Rate of Climb | 925 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 17,100 ft (5,210 m) |
| Maximum Range | 888 NM |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-360 |
| Power | 200 hp |
Flying Characteristics
The Cardinal is well regarded for:
- excellent all-round visibility
- responsive control harmony
- spacious cabin
- easy boarding through large doors
- stable instrument flying characteristics
- relatively high cruise speed for a fixed-gear aircraft
The stabilator gives the aircraft lighter pitch forces than most other Cessna singles, and pilots transitioning from conventional elevator-equipped aircraft typically require a short familiarisation period.
Legacy
Although it never replaced the Cessna 172 as originally intended, the Cessna 177 Cardinal became one of the most technically innovative light aircraft of its era. Its cantilever wing, stabilator, and modern cabin layout were well ahead of many contemporaries and influenced later light-aircraft design. Today, the Cardinal has a loyal following among owners who value its handling qualities, excellent visibility, and efficient cross-country performance. The 177RG Cardinal RG is particularly sought after, offering near-complex-aircraft performance while retaining the comfortable cabin and flying characteristics that define the Cardinal family.