U-3A Blue Canoe (C-310)

By the late 1950’s the United States Air Force’s post Korean War search for an inexpensive light utility aircraft concluded with the selection of Cessna Corporation’s C-310. The small, five person, twin-engine, low-wing transport was an off-the-shelf civilian design intended for corporate use.

Impressed by its versatility, the USAF purchased 160 Cessna C-310A aircraft in 1957 giving them the official designation L-27A which was changed to U-3A in 1962. With its sleek trim design and flashy blue livery, Air Force personnel nicknamed the U-3A the “Blue Canoe”. After a year of service, the Air Force determined the operating cost of the new aircraft at a mere $12 per hour, making it one of the most cost-effective aircraft in the USAF inventory.

Twenty-five L-27A / U-3A’s were transferred to the United States Army to support liaison roles in 1960. The U-3A saw especially useful service in Southeast Asia supporting USAF, US Army, and US Navy operations.

The U-3A on display, serial number 58-2112, is one of the twenty-five USAF U-3As that were transferred to the U.S. Army. It served through the 1970’s with the Army AVDOC. The aircraft was transported to the March Field Air Museum by museum staff. It is on loan from Richard Oldham, Quartzsite AZ.

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: one

Capacity: four passengers

Length: 27 ft

Wingspan: 35 ft

Height: 10 ft 6 in

Empty weight: 2,850 lb

Gross weight: 4,600 lb

Fuel capacity: 100 US gal.

Engines: Two Continental O-470-Ms of 240 hp each

Maximum speed: 238 mph

Range: 1,000 mi

Service ceiling: 22,000 ft.