This is the Cessna logo worn as a uniform
patch by
Cessna employees building T-50 Bobcats
during World War II
The young folks know the Cessna T-50
as "Songbird" in the TV series, "Sky
King". World War II pilot trainees know it as the US
Army Air Corps AT17, or the UC78.
The US Navy called the plane a JRC-1, and the
Royal Canadian Air Force called it a Crane.
After the war, the government sold T50's for about
$600! New, they cost about $28,000. Now there are only a few left flying
and sell for $75,000 and up.
The official Cessna Aircraft Company
name was the Bobcat. The somewhat
derogatory nickname Bamboo Bomber came
from the G.I.'s who preferred the modern all metal airplanes to the wooden
winged T-50, which really wasn't a bomber and , of course, had no Bamboo.
But the two B's kind of rhymed. Because the construction methods of the
Bobcat are similar to that of the Piper Cub and it is relatively easy
to fly, another nickname was Double Breasted Cub!
The wings are built-up wood spars and ribs, the fuselage
is a steel tube truss, all with fabric covering. Because of the 42 foot
wingspan, most surplus T50's were left out in the weather, and as time
passed, the rear wing spar collected water and moisture. The rear spars
rotted, making the plane unairworthy. Since the plane was cheap after
the war, and the cost of repair high, all but a few were parted out or
junked.
As a restored Warbird, the Bamboo Bomber
is a joy to fly, an attention-getter at fly-ins, and quite economical
to fly. Some old time pilots say it flies just like a DC-3. The roomy
cabin has five seats, and is large enough for passengers and crew to get
up and change places. The Jacobs engines are very reliable and easy to
maintain (also used in the Cessna 195 and some Waco's). The airframe and
systems are also easily maintained, with very few AD's.
Cruise is 140 mph at 75% power and fuel burn
of 25 gallons per hour. Fuel capacity is 150 gallons in two 60 gallon
wing tanks and a 30 gallon aux tank under the rear seat. Zero fuel reserve
endurance is six hours. Empty weight is 4200 pounds, gross weight 5700
pounds, with a 1500 pound useful load.
It is an easy airplane to fly with a little training.
Getting used to taxi operations using differential throttle and brakes
takes some practice. The control response at low speed is not quick, but
firm and gentle at cruise. Stall speed is about 50 mph. Approach speed
is 90mph. Landings are made tail low on short final, easing into a wheel
landing as wheels touch. Sea level takeoff distance is 2110 feet to clear
50 ft., with 2650 ft. required to land over 5 ft. With a 20 mph wind,
the distances are 1180 and 1310 ft. respectively. The main difficulty
in getting instruction in the T-50 is finding instructors with multi-engine
tailwheel experience!
Compared to the price of other Warbirds, the purchase
price of a Bobcat is relatively
inexpensive. While there are not many sales, recent asking prices ranges
from $75,000 to $150,000, not much more than some Stearman prices. Complete
professional restorations have cost $200,000 and up.
Bamboo Bomber Club Officers
President:
Dwain "Pitt" Pittenger
PO Box 1861
Hereford, TX 79045
806-258-7515 (Also FAX)
Vice President:
Elmer Steier
PO Box 397
Whittemore, IA 50598
515-884-2619
Secretary-Treasurer:
Jim Anderson
Box 269 Sunwood
Marine on St. Croix MN 55047
612 433 3024
FAX 612 433 5691
Email- jja@wrmed.com
Newsletter Editor
Jim Anderson
Webmaster- Jack Blais jgb@wrmed.com
Asst. webmaster- Jim Anderson jja@wrmed.com
