F337H Super Skymaster

The F337H Super Skymaster, produced by the French firm Reims Aviation under license from Cessna, emerged in the early 1970s as an evolution of the original Cessna 337. Reims adapted the twin‑engine push‑pull configuration for the European market, reinforcing the airframe, installing a more powerful 210‑hp Lycoming IO-360 engine on the nose and a 225‑hp Continental TSIO-360 on the rear, and adding optional turboprop and turbocharged versions. First flight occurred in 1972, and the model entered service with civil operators, flight schools, and light‑transport missions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Its distinctive layout provided centreline thrust, eliminating asymmetric drag in engine‑out scenarios and granting superior low‑speed handling and short‑field performance. The cockpit featured a semi‑glass panel with dual controls, and the aircraft could be equipped with optional instrument‑flight rules avionics, making it a versatile trainer. The Super Skymaster’s robustness, fuel efficiency, and ability to operate from unpaved strips gave it a niche role in bush and utility operations, cementing its reputation as a reliable workhorse that bridged American design with French manufacturing expertise. Even after production ceased in the late 1980s, hundred examples remain active, attesting to the design’s enduring appeal among pilots who value safety and versatility.