Cessna 310B

The Cessna 310B, introduced in 1954, is the second model of Cessna’s iconic twin‑engine light aircraft series. Developed from the original 310, the B version incorporated a strengthened airframe, revised landing gear, and upgraded 260‑horsepower Lycoming O‑435‑A engines that improved climb performance and cruise speed to around 190 knots. Its all‑metal construction, low‑wing design, and retractable tricycle gear gave pilots a combination of durability and aerodynamic efficiency that was rare for civil aircraft of its era. The cockpit featured dual controls, a more spacious cabin with seating for six, and basic navigation instruments, making the 310B popular with both corporate operators and flight schools. Over 1,300 units were built before production shifted to later variants, and the model played a key role in establishing Cessna’s reputation for reliable twin‑engine designs. In the decades since, the 310B has remained a favored platform for trainers, aerial survey work, and private owners, notable for its forgiving handling and economical operating costs. Its legacy endures as a bridge between early post‑war twins and the modern pressurized business aircraft that followed. Today, restored 310Bs are celebrated at airshows, demonstrating the timeless appeal of Cessna's engineering.