Second prototype
First prototype
Cessna C-106
Cessna C-106A 1943
C-106 1942
C-106A
In 1943, Cessna developed the P-260 light transport aircraft for the USAAF. The project was a modified version of the C/UC-78 with more powerful engines. Named “Loadmaster” by the company, C-106 shared many of the aerodynamic and structural features of its C/UC-78 predecessor, with
a fabric-covered airframe consisting of a tubular steel fuselage and built-up wooden wings and tail surfaces. Two Pratt & Whitney R-1340 air-cooled radial engines with 600 hp (450 kW) and twin-bladed propellers were selected as the powerplant. Project was an attempt to minimize the use of strategie war materials.
In 1943, two examples of the aircraft were built for evaluation trials, a NX24176 with R-1340-S3H1 engines and a C-160A (NX44600) with R-1340-AN-2 engines. During military tests the aircraft received good reviews and was recommended for serial production. At the end of 1943 a preliminary contract for production of 500 C-106s was made, but shortage of plywood did not allow the company to proceed with the order.
First flight: January 1943
Source:
E.R. Johnson, Lloyd S: American Military Transport Aircraft Since 1925
Walt Shiel: Cessna Warbirds: A Detailed and Personal History of Cessna’s Involvement in the Armed Forces