Cessna 190

The Cessna 190, introduced in 1947, was the first twin‑engine aircraft produced by Cessna Aircraft Company after World War II. Designed to bring twin‑engine reliability to the private‑owner market, the 190 featured a low‑wing, all‑metal airframe with conventional (tailwheel) landing gear and seating for three to four passengers. Its twin Continental O-300 150‑horsepower engines were mounted on the wings, providing balanced thrust and a modest cruise speed of about 150 kt (173 mph). The aircraft’s straightforward, rugged construction made it easy to maintain, while its relatively low operating costs appealed to both civilian pilots and small commercial operators. Only 108 examples were built, yet the 190’s design philosophy—simple, dependable twin‑engine performance—laid the groundwork for later Cessna models such as the 300 series and the widely used Cessna 340. Although its production run was brief, the 190 demonstrated that twin‑engine aircraft could be practical for general aviation, influencing Cessna’s post‑war strategy and contributing to the broader acceptance of multi‑engine planes in private and training roles.