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| Popularly known in the Air Force as the “Blue Canoe,” the U-3 is the military version of the Cessna 310 light twin-engine transport. The prototype made its first flight on Jan. 3, 1953. Production for the civilian market began in 1954, and in 1957 the USAF selected the aircraft for service as a light administrative liaison, cargo and utility transport.
The Air Force eventually bought 160 of the 310s “off-the-shelf” under the original designation L-27A, later changed to U-3A. Thirty-five more were delivered in 1960-1961 as U-3Bs — all weather versions with more powerful engines, additional cabin windows, a longer nose and a swept vertical fin. SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 35 ft. 8 in. Length: 27 ft. Height: 10 ft. 5 in. Weight: 4,830 lbs. maximum Armament: None Engines: Two Continental O-470-Ms of 240 hp each Cost: $56,000 PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 238 mph Cruising speed: 180 mph Range: 900 miles Service ceiling: 22,000 ft. |
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| Bibliography: National Museum of the USAF |