Cessna DC 6

Design and development

The DC-6 was a scaled-down four-seat version of the six-seat CW-6. It was rolled out in February 1929 and went into production in two versions, the DC-6A and DC-6B. Both versions gained type certificates in September 1929. The Depression and the Wall Street crash reduced demand for the aircraft and only just over 20 of each model were produced. Some aircraft were taken on charge by the USAAC in 1942.

Operational history

In addition to use as private touring aircraft, DC-6As and DC-6Bs saw use as newspaper delivery aircraft and were impressed as liaison aircraft with the United States Army Air Force (USAAF).

Variants

DC-6

The original aircraft, powered by a 170 hp (130 kW) Curtiss Challenger, developed as a scaled-down Cessna CW-6.

Model DC-6A Chief

Fitted with a 300 hp (220 kW) Wright R-975 (J-6-9) Whirlwind engine; 20 built.

Model DC-6B Scout

Fitted with a 225 hp (168 kW) Wright J-6-7 (R-760) engine; 24 built.

UC-77

Military designation of four DC-6As impressed into service by the USAAC.

UC-77A

Military designation of four DC-6Bs impressed into service by the USAAC.

Note that the designations UC-77B, UC-77C and UC-77D were not DC-6s, they were used for other Cessna models.

Operators

 United States

United States Army Air Forces

Specifications (DC-6A Chief)

Data from Aerofiles Cessna

General characteristics

Crew: one-two

Capacity: four-five passengers, total six seats

Length: 28 ft 2 in (8.59 m)

Wingspan: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)

Height: 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m)

Wing area: 268 sq ft (24.9 m²)

Powerplant: 1 × Wright J-6-9 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 300 hp (220 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 155 mph (249 km/h; 135 kn)

Cruise speed: 130 mph (209 km/h; 113 kn)

Stall speed: 54 mph (87 km/h; 47 kn)

Range: 600 mi (521 nmi; 966 km)