The UC-78 is a military version of the commercial Cessna T-50 light transport. Cessna first produced the wood and tubular steel, fabric-covered T-50 in 1939 for the civilian market. In 1940, the Air Corps ordered them under the designation AT-8 as a multi-engine advanced trainer.
Thirty-three AT-8s were built for the Air Corps, and production continued under the designation AT-17, reflecting a change on equipment and engine types. In 1942, the Army Air Forces (AAF) adopted the Bobcat as a light personnel transport, and those delivered after January 1, 1943, were designated UC-78s. By the end of WWII, Cessna had produced more than 4,600 Bobcats for the AAF, 67 of which were transferred to the US Navy as JRC-1s. In addition, 822 Bobcats had been produced for the Royal Canadian Air Force as the Crane I.
Dubbed the "Bamboo Bomber" by the pilots who flew them, it was one of the aircraft featured in the popular television series "Sky King" of the 1940s and 1950s.
During WWII Robins AFB performed depot repairs and logistics support for all the UC-78s located in the southeast. The Museum's UC-78 was delivered to the AAF in March 1943 and served at various training bases in Airzona and California before being excessed in January 1945. The Museum acquired this aircraft in 1989 in poor condition. It is currently undergoing a major restoration at the South Georgia Vocation Center in Americus, Georgia.
SPECIFICATIONS |
Serial # : |
42-71714 |
Wingspan: |
41 feet, 11 inches |
Cost: |
$31,000 |
Length: |
32 feet, 9 inches |
Max. Speed: |
175 mpg |
Height: |
9 feet, 11 inches |
Cruising Speed: |
150 mph |
Weight: |
5,700 lbs. loaded |
Range: |
750 miles |
Engines: |
Two Jacobs R-755-9s of 245 hp. ea |
Service Ceiling: |
15,000 feet |
