Skymaster family

The Cessna Skymaster family, introduced in the early 1960s, represents one of the most distinctive twin‑engine designs in general aviation. Developed under the project name Model 337, the Skymaster made its first flight in 1962 and entered production in 1964 as the Model 337A. Its most recognizable characteristic is the push‑pull configuration: a tractor propeller mounted on the nose and a pusher propeller on the rear fuselage, eliminating the asymmetric thrust problems that plague conventional twins. Powered by two horizontally opposed six‑cylinder engines delivering 210 to 340 horsepower, the aircraft offers cruise speeds of 190–225 kt, a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, and a useful load capable of carrying four to six passengers with baggage. The straight‑lined, low‑wing airframe provides excellent visibility and stable handling, while the twin‑engine layout grants redundancy for overwater or mountainous operations. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the Skymaster served civil operators, flight schools, and military liaison units, and it was later adapted for aerial survey and utility work. Its unconventional design and reliable performance have left a lasting imprint, illustrating Cessna’s willingness to experiment beyond the single‑engine tradition and influencing later twin‑engine concepts.