Summary

  • Clyde Cessna created the first-ever Cessna plane, the Silverwing, in 1911 with a spruce and linen airframe.
  • The original Silverwing fate remains unknown, but replicas have been constructed by aviation historians and enthusiasts.
  • Cessna Aircraft Corporation faced bankruptcy during the Great Depression but was later revived by Cessna’s nephews.

Cessna is one of the most prominent manufacturers in general aviation today. From the infamous Skyhawk, which helped many pilots pass their PPL over the past decades, to the highly luxurious Cessna Citation Latitudes, its portfolio responds to the needs of every owner. But its origins were very humble. Today, we will look at the Silverwing, the first-ever Cessna plane, and the man who invented it: Clyde Cessna.

The Silverwings: the world’s first Cessna airplane (technically)

In 1911, the first airplane made by Clyde Cessna, christened “Silverwing,” took flight. The airframe was made out of spruce and linen and was an inspiration from the American version of the Bleriot XI. A modified Elbridge motorboat engine, termed the “aero special,” powered the craft.

Silverwings

This engine could deliver up to 40 hp at 1,050 rpm.

Once the airframe was ready, it was tested at the Great Salt Plains, near the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in Alfalfa County.

The inaugural flight attempt resulted in a ground loop, necessitating $100 in repairs, which is the equivalent in purchasing power to about $3,305.99 today.

After 13 attempts and a brief moment of flight, the airframe crashes into trees during a turning maneuver. It is reported that Clyde Cessna said at the time.

“I’m going to fly this thing; then I’m going to set it afire and never have another thing to do with airplanes!”

Of course, history proved otherwise, and in June 1911, the Silverwing had its successful flight, altering public perception from skepticism to admiration, earning the label “daring hero” and the moniker “Birdman of Enid.”

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What happened to the Silverwing?

According to the Oklahoman, the fate of the original aircraft is still being determined, as Cessna never produced the model. The original bird is, therefore, presumed to have been lost to history.

Aviation historians have undertaken the incredible task of constructing groundbreaking piston plane replicas. One example is a Kansas pilot and machine shop owner who meticulously recreated the historic aircraft using old newspaper photographs.

Speaking to the Oklahoman, Tom Terning enthusiastically announced his plan to pilot the exact replica on December 7, marking the 80th anniversary of Cessna’s inaugural successful flight. The replica will be showcased at the airport two days before the Saturday afternoon flight. With unwavering optimism, Terning looks forward to drawing in aviation and history enthusiasts to witness this remarkable event.

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Who was Mr Cessna?

Born on December 5, 1879, in Hawthorne, Montgomery County, Iowa, Cessna was born in a family with French and German heritage. When he was two years old, his family relocated to rural Rago in Kingman County, Kansas. This move ignited his passion for innovation and mechanical ingenuity, which he applied to enhance farm machinery and pioneer new farming techniques during his formative years. Later, he found success as a car dealer in Enid, Oklahoma.

Clyde_Vernon_Cessna

Cessna’s fascination with aviation took flight in 1910 after he witnessed an awe-inspiring aerial exhibition in his home state of Kansas. This pivotal experience fueled his unwavering commitment to pursuing an aviation career. Eager to expand his knowledge, Cessna left Oklahoma and embarked on a journey to New York State, where he seized the opportunity to work briefly at the Queen Aeroplane Company, thus laying the foundation for his future endeavors in aircraft construction.

And this is why he decided to develop his airplane a year later.

When was the Cessna Corporation created?

On September 7, 1927, Cessna and aviation entrepreneur Victor Roos established Cessna-Roos Aircraft. However, just a month into the partnership, Roos decided to resign and sell back his interest in Cessna. As a result, the company’s name was changed to Cessna Aircraft Corporation in December.

During the latter part of 1927, Cessna faced challenges designing and constructing a highly efficient monoplane. Despite these difficulties, the AW was completed near the end of 1927.

Following the AW, Cessna introduced the CW-6, which took its first flight in 1928, and the DC-6, which followed suit in 1929. Subsequently, he teamed up with his son, Eldon, to design and pilot the CR-series racing aircraft.

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Despite the initial success of these new models, the Great Depression caused a severe downturn in aircraft sales, ultimately leading to the corporation’s bankruptcy filing and eventual closure in 1931. Fortunately, in 1934, Cessna reopened his Wichita plant, which he later sold to his nephews – aeronautical engineer Dwane Wallace and his brother, attorney Dwight Wallace – in 1936

Cessna died on November 20, 1954, at 74, in Wichita, Kansas, of an unknown cause of death. He left behind a highly successful aircraft OEM that continues to supply student pilots and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Cessna today

In 1992, the New York Times reported that Textron Inc. had completed its acquisition of the Cessna Aircraft Company from the General Dynamics Corporation.

In January 1992, Textron and General Dynamics revealed that Textron intended to acquire Cessna for $600 million in cash. At the time, Cessna, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, employed about 5,400 people and had recorded sales of approximately $820 million in 1991. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing business jets and utility turboprop aircraft.

Since 2014, Textron Aviation has been founded and now compensates Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker. It continues to innovate and create new products for the same customers Clyde Cessna has been helping over the past 80 years.

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