Cessna
U-3 / L-27
#
Previous U.S. MILITARY Next

U-3A
 Photo: Robert Deering c1991
Midland International Airport (MAF)
Midland, Texas
Popularly known in the U.S. Air Force as the "Blue Canoe," the U-3 is the military version of the Cessna 310 twin-engine transport. The prototype made its first flight on Jan. 3, 1953, and production for the civilian market began in 1954. In 1957 the USAF selected the aircraft for service as a light administrative liaison, cargo and utility transport. The Air Force eventually bought 160 "off-the-shelf" under the original designation L-27A, later changed to U-3A. Thirty-five more were delivered in 1960-1961 as U-3Bs -- all weather versions with more powerful engines, additional cabin windows, a longer nose and a swept vertical fin.

Source: National Museum of the United States Air Force
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span:   35 ft. 8 in. Maximum speed:  238 mph
Length:   27 ft. Cruising speed: 
Height:  10 ft. 5 in. Range:  900 miles
Empty Weight:  Service ceiling:  22,000 ft.
Gross Weight:  4,830 lbs. maximum  
Crew: 
Engines:  Two Continental O-470-Ms of 240 hp each
Armament:  None
   
SOURCE:  National Museum of the United States Air Force  

Variants

L-27A
United States military designation for the 310A, later changed to U-3A.
L-27B
United States military designation for the 310E/310M, later changed to U-3B.
U-3A
L-27A redesignated in 1963.
U-3B
L-27B redesignated in 1963.

Source: Wikipedia