Cessna JRC-1 Bobcat

The Cessna JRC‑1 Bobcat was a single‑engine, low‑wing monoplanes conceived in the early 1960s as a lightweight military trainer and liaison aircraft. Developed at Cessna’s Wichita plant under the United States Army’s Joint Resupply Contract (JRC), the prototype first flew on 12 May 1963, marking Cessna’s brief foray into a market dominated by rugged European designs. Powered by a 210‑horsepower Continental O‑470‑D engine, the Bobcat featured a semi‑monocoque aluminum airframe, a fixed tricycle landing gear, and a fully enclosed cockpit with dual controls, providing excellent visibility for both instructor and trainee. Its 35‑foot wingspan and modest 1,200‑pound empty weight gave a low stall speed of 45 kt, while a maximum cruise of 130 kt offered efficient short‑range transport. Though only ten units were produced before the program was curtailed due to budgetary constraints, the JRC‑1 introduced several innovations that later appeared in Cessna’s civilian line, such as reinforced wing ribs and an advanced hydraulic flap system. The Bobcat’s legacy lies in demonstrating Cessna’s ability to adapt civil‑aircraft expertise to military requirements, influencing subsequent trainer designs and cementing the company’s reputation for versatile, reliable aircraft.

Cessna

Classification

Design & Classification