The 310 first flew on January 3, 1953 with deliveries starting in late 1954. The sleek modern lines of the new twin were backed up by innovative features such as engine exhaust thrust augmentor tubes and the storage of all fuel in tip tanks in early models. In 1964, the engine exhaust was changed to flow under the wing instead of the agumentor tubes, which were considered to be noisy.

Development

Typical of Cessna model naming conventions, a letter was added after the model number to identify changes to the original design over the years. The first significant upgrade to the 310 series was the 310C in 1959, which introduced more powerful 195kW (260hp) Continental IO-470-D engines. In 1960 the 310D featured swept back vertical tail surfaces. An extra cabin window was added with the 310F. The 320 Skynight was developed from the 310F, which featured turbocharged TSIO-470-B engines and a fourth cabin side-window. The Skyknight was in production between 1961 and 1969 (the 320E was named the Executive Skyknight), when it was replaced by the similar Turbo 310.

The 310G introduced the 'stabilatip' tip tanks, while the 310K replaced the rear two windows with a single unit. Subsequent developments include the 310Q and turbocharged T310Q with redesigned rear cabin with a skylight window, and the final 310R and T310R, identifiable for their lengthened noses. Production ended in 1980.

The Cessna 310 gained fame from being featured in the popular TV show Sky King during the 1950s.

Commercial Applications

The Cessna 310 was a common charter aircraft for the many air taxi firms that sprang up in the general aviation boom that followed WWII. The advantages to the Cessna 310 over its contemporaries, such as the Piper Aztec, were its speed, operating costs and after market modifications such as the Robertson STOL kits which made it popular world wide for its bush flying characteristics. It could access short fields while at the same time carrying a large useful load of 2000 lbs. or more at high speeds for a twin engine piston aircraft.

Other competitive planes to the Cessna 310 include the Raytheon (Beech) Baron, the Piper Seneca and arguably, some models of the Aero Commander.

As of 2006, Cessna 310's were still in operation in basic air taxi service world wide and may even continue to operate for many years to come so long as insurance, regulatory and market conditions allow. One particular point of interest for current piston aircraft operators, such as the Cessna 310, is the advent of diesel aircraft engine technology and the possible STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) authority for these aging aircraft to operate with newer technology. One of the major shortcomings of all piston aircraft is the rising cost of AvGas and the waning popularity of selling AvGas by FBO's, who consider, in many cases, AvGas to be a loss leader when sold to a retail customer at an airport. The benefit of diesel engines is that they can burn Jet Fuel, which is widely available at airports worldwide. (See also Biodiesel)

Specifications

• Length: 13 ft 11 in (9.7 m)
• Wingspan: 36 ft 11 in (11.2 m)
• Height: 10 ft 8 in (3.3 m)
• Empty weight: 3,347 lb (1,518 kg)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 5,500 lb (2,495 kg)
• Maximum speed: 238 mph (383 km/h)
• Range: 1,440 mi (2,668 km)
• Powerplant: 2 Continental IO-470-M flat-6 piston engines
• Power: 240 hp (179 kW) each