Cessna 620

The Cessna Model 620 was a pioneering, four‑engine, pressurized transport that represented the company’s first serious foray into the large‑business‑aircraft market. Conceived in the early 1950s, the prototype first flew on 28 September 1956, while the second completed its maiden flight in 1958. Although only two airframes were ever built and the program was cancelled in 1959, the 620 demonstrated Cessna’s ability to design a sophisticated, high‑performance aircraft far beyond its traditional light‑sport and single‑engine offerings.

Key features included a low‑wing, all‑metal airframe, retractable tricycle landing gear, and a fully pressurized cabin capable of seating eight to ten passengers. Power came from four 310‑hp Continental O‑470 radial engines, giving a cruising speed of roughly 285 kt, a service ceiling near 30 000 ft and a range of about 2 000 nm, rivaling contemporary twin‑jet business transports. Its wing incorporated split flaps and leading‑edge slats for improved low‑speed handling, while the avionics suite was among the most advanced of its era, with integrated navigation and autopilot systems.

The Cessna 620’s legacy lies in its role as a technology testbed; concepts refined on the 620—pressurization, multi‑engine reliability, and cabin comfort—directly influenced later Cessna jet successes such as the Citation series, cementing the firm’s place in modern business aviation.