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This Cessna 180 has been restored as a Squadron Hack of a Skyraider Unit at Bien Hoa in the Spring of 1965. It carries four people, cruises at 145 MPH and burns 12 GPH. The U-17C is the only aircraft of its type on the Airshow circuit this year. This aircraft has been seen in "Air Classics" and EAA "Warbirds" magazines. At aerospace America (Oklahoma City 1988) it was awarded Grand Champion - Utility and participated in the first Night Airshow.The Cessna 180, announce in January 1953 was generally similar to Cessna's Model 170. It differed by having a more powerful Continental engine, constant-speed propeller and larger tail. After 4000 were built, 15 were supplied to the Australian Army, serving with No. 16 Army Light Aircraft Squadron in a light observation and reconnaissance role.
About March 1962, the USAF was seeking to purchase a light utility aircraft for supply to countries eligible for aid under the Military Assistance Program. The Cessna 180 was the answer then, and is even today used as a photo surveillance and psychological warfare platform. Eighteen countries through out the world are still using the U-17C in current service.
The U-17C carried cameras, speakers, leaflet chutes; and with a smoke system and under-wing rockets, spotted targets for F-105s and F-4s. In its civilian role, the C-180 is a most capable cross-country family airplane. The 180 is not afraid to work for a living as any owner or operator will tell you. It is the unofficial State Bird of Alaska...a land where reliability and ruggedness is a must!
email: wsanders@flash.net
Owned by West Sanders of Fort Worth, Texas. West Sanders has over 7500 flying hours and has flown 128 different aircraft types from single engine home builts to 4-engine WWII bombers. Formation qualified by F.A.S.T. West has performed in over 200 airshows over the past 20 years.
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