Cessna 310C

The Cessna 310C, introduced in 1955, is the third variant of Cessna’s celebrated twin‑engine light aircraft line. Developed from the original Model 310, the ‘C’ version incorporated a strengthened wing, a larger 260‑horsepower Continental O-470 engine on each side, and an increased fuel capacity that extended its range to over 1,200 nautical miles. The cockpit featured a more spacious cabin with improved instrumentation, allowing for comfortable four‑to‑six‑person travel and a higher cruise speed of approximately 190 knots. Its all‑metal construction, retractable tricycle landing gear, and efficient aerodynamics made the 310C a versatile platform for both civilian owners and military operators. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s the aircraft saw extensive use in corporate transport, air‑tour companies, and as a liaison aircraft for the United States Air Force, where it earned the designation T‑37A. The 310C’s reliability and relatively low operating costs helped cement Cessna’s reputation for producing dependable twin‑engine trainers and business aircraft, influencing later models such as the 310D and the modern 400 series. Today, restored 310Cs remain popular among vintage‑aircraft enthusiasts, highlighting the model’s lasting impact on general aviation.