Where to start with the Cessna Skywagon? I’ve learned quite a lot about Cessna, and the many different names or model numbers that refer to the same aircraft when scanning these promotional photos. It’s no surprise with the Skywagon, and hopefully, I can explain what I’ve learned so far.
Cessna started branding the “Skywagon” name on their 180 airframes in the early 1960s, even though the 180 models began production in 1953. The 180 is a taildragger with steerable tailwheel and steel spring main gear legs. The models produced before 1963 have two side windows and three starting in 1964 when Cessna upgraded the airframe to the same one used on the 185s but retained the lower horse-powered carbureted Continental O-470-R engine. This engine is rated to have 230hp at 2600 rpm while the IO-470-F used on the 185s has 260hp and is fuel injected.
The earlier 180, 1953-1963, is a four-person aircraft with the optional “Family Seating” for six people at an additional cost. I can only assume the seating was tight with this option, and I wouldn’t want to be sitting in the back for any length of time. The later 180, 1964-1981, is certified as a six-place utility airplane with the ability to install the optional floats or skis.
The production run of the 185 Skywagon is from 1961 to 1985. The 185 Skywagon gained many improvements over the later 180 when Cessna upgraded the powerplant to the Continental IO-520-D engine, but not until the middle of the 1966 production year. The previous 185s were still using the IO-470-F engines. Floats and skis were still an option along with a cargo pack that attached to the bottom of the fuselage.
The “AGcarryall” is a variant of the 185 and has a 151-gallon belly tank with removable spray booms for aerial spraying. The high wing design made it difficult to see when turning for crop dusting, and the production run was short. The “Agwagon” was well established and better suited for aerial chemical applications.
Be sure to check out the many photos of the Cessna Skywagon that I recently added to the photos page!
Cessna 180 Skywagon photos https://buffaloairpark.com/cessna-180/
Cessna 185 Skywagon photos https://buffaloairpark.com/cessna-185-skywagon-2/
Cessna Super Skywagon photos https://buffaloairpark.com/cessna-super-skywagon-skylane/
Buffalo Air Park 
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