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The U-3A is the military variant of the civilian Cessna Model 310. The 310 proved very successful in the civil market and was chosen by the Air Force in 1957 for use as a light utility transport. Initially called the L-25A approximately 160 were ordered in 1957 and 1958, a further 30 were ordered in 1960 with more powerful engines and called L-27B. The designation of these aircraft was changed in 1962 to U-3A and U-3B.
A number of military surplus U-3 aircraft found their way into the hands of civilians and other government agencies after their military service. The Forest Service acquired this aircraft for use as a "lead plane" in fighting forest fires. The job of a lead plane is to fly ahead of the large fire bombers and safely direct them to their drop points
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| Wingspan |
35 ft 9 in |
| Length |
27 ft |
| Height |
10 ft 5 in |
| Weight |
4,830 lbs (loaded) |
| Maximum Speed |
238 mph |
| Service Ceiling |
22,000 ft |
| Range |
900 miles |
| Engines |
2 Continental O-470-M, 240 horsepower each |
| Crew |
1 and 4 passengers |
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