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The '''Cessna 310''' is an American four-to-six-seat, low-wing, twin-engine [[monoplane]] produced by [[Cessna]] between 1954 and 1980. It was the second twin-engine aircraft that Cessna put into production; the first was the [[Cessna T-50]].<ref name="Airliners">{{cite web|url = http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/stats.main?id=149|title = The Cessna 310/320|access-date = 2008-05-04|last = Demand Media|year = 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080409002638/http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/stats.main?id=149|archive-date = 2008-04-09|url-status = live}}</ref> It was used by the U.S. military as the '''L-27''', after 1962, '''U-3'''. Over six thousand Cessna 310 and 320 aircraft were produced between 1954 and 1980.

==Development==
The 310 first flew on January 3, 1953, with deliveries starting in late 1954. The sleek modern lines of the new twin were backed up by innovative features such as engine exhaust thrust augmenter tubes and the storage of all fuel in tip tanks in early models. In 1964, the engine exhaust was changed to flow under the wing instead of the augmenter tubes, which were considered to be noisy.<ref name="Airliners" />

Typical of Cessna model naming conventions, a letter was added after the model number to identify changes to the original design over the years. The first significant upgrade to the 310 series was the 310C in 1959, which introduced more powerful {{convert|260|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Continental O-470|Continental IO-470-D]] engines. In 1960 the 310D featured swept-back vertical tail surfaces. An extra cabin window was added with the 310F.<ref name="Airliners" />

[[File:CessnaU3A582107atPima.JPG|thumb|An ex-[[USAF]] U-3A on display at the [[Pima Air & Space Museum]] in Tucson, Arizona]]

The [[Turbocharger|turbocharged]] '''320 Skyknight''' was developed from the 310F. Equipped with TSIO-470-B engines and featuring an extra cabin window on each side, it was in production between 1961 and 1969 (the 320E was named the Executive Skyknight), when it was replaced by the similar Turbo 310.<ref name="Airliners" /><ref>{{cite journal|journal=Air Progress|date=October 1979|page=39|title=Turbo 310|author=Keith Connes}}</ref>

The 310G was certified in 1961<ref name="Type Certificate 3A10, p. 11">Type Certificate 3A10, p. 11.</ref> and introduced the canted wingtip fuel tanks found on the majority of the Cessna twin-engine product line, marketed as "stabila-tip" tanks by Cessna, because they were meant to aid stability in flight. A single side window replaced the rear two windows on the 310K (certified in late 1965), with optional three-blade propellers being introduced as well.<ref name="Type Certificate 3A10, p. 19">Type Certificate 3A10, p. 19.</ref> Subsequent developments included the 310Q and turbocharged T310Q with a redesigned rear cabin featuring a skylight window, and the final 310R and T310R, identifiable by a lengthened nose containing a baggage compartment. Production ended in 1980.<ref name="Airliners" />

Over the years there were several modifications to the 310 to improve performance. Aircraft engineer Jack Riley produced two variants, The Riley Rocket 310 and the Riley Turbostream 310. Riley replaced the standard Continental {{convert|310|hp|abbr=on}} engines with {{convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Lycoming TIO-540 engines. These turbocharged intercooled engines were installed with three-blade [[Hartzell Propeller|Hartzell]] propellers in a [[Counter-rotating propellers|counter-rotating]] configuration to further increase performance and single-engine safety. At {{convert|5400|lb|abbr=on}} gross weight the aircraft had a weight to power ratio of {{convert|7.71|lb|abbr=on}} per horsepower. This resulted in a cruising speed of {{convert|260|kn}} at {{convert|18000|ft|m}} and a {{cvt|3,000|ft/min|m/s}} rate of climb.

==Operational history==
[[File:Cessna 310B (VH-REK) at Illawarra Regional Airport.jpg|thumb|right|1957 Cessna 310B, with straight fin and overwing 'augmentor tube' exhaust system]]
[[File:Songbird III.jpg|thumb|right|Cessna 310D with early rounded nose, swept-back vertical stabilizer and "tuna" style wingtip fuel tanks]]

===Commercial applications===
The Cessna 310 was a common charter aircraft for the many air taxi firms that sprang up in the [[general aviation]] boom that followed World War II. The advantages of the Cessna 310 over its contemporaries, such as the [[Piper PA-23]], were its speed, operating costs and aftermarket modifications, such as the Robertson [[STOL]] kits that made it popular worldwide for its bush flying characteristics. It could use short runways, while at the same time carrying a large useful load of {{convert|2000|lb|abbr=on}}. or more, at speeds that  were high for a twin engine piston aircraft.

===Military applications===
In 1957, the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) selected the Cessna 310 for service as a light utility aircraft for transport and administrative support. The USAF purchased 160 unmodified 310A aircraft with the designation '''L-27A''' and unofficially nicknamed ''Blue Canoe'',<ref name="Krivinyi">Krivinyi, Nikolaus: ''World Military Aviation'', page 148. Arco Publishing Co., 1977. {{ISBN|0-668-04348-2}}</ref> later changed to '''U-3A''' in 1962. An additional 36 upgraded 310 designated '''L-27B''' (later '''U-3B''') were delivered in 1960–61; these aircraft were essentially military 310Fs and as such equipped with the more powerful {{convert|260|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} engines and can be identified by their extra cabin windows, longer nose and swept vertical fin. A USAF study after one year of operational service found the U-3A had direct operating costs of less than $12 an hour.<ref name="Phillips-Master">Phillips, Edward H:''Wings of Cessna Model 120 to the Citation III'', Flying Books, 1986. {{ISBN|0-911139-05-2}}</ref> The U-3 saw active service in a support role when the USAF deployed aircraft to South Vietnam during the [[Vietnam War]], where they were used on courier flights between [[air base]]s.<ref>Harvey 1966, p. 69.</ref><ref>Harvey 1966, p. 80.</ref> Some USAF aircraft were later transferred to the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy and the type continued in United States military service into the mid-1970s.

===Notable private flights===
On December 19, 1992, Cuban defector Major [[List of Cold War pilot defections|Orestes Lorenzo Pérez]] returned to Cuba in a 1961 Cessna 310 to retrieve his wife and two sons. Flying without lights, at low speed and very low altitude to avoid Cuban radar, Pérez picked up his family by landing on the coastal highway of [[Varadero]] beach, [[Matanzas Province]], {{convert|93|mi|km|0|abbr=on}} east of Havana and managed a successful safe return to [[Marathon, Florida]].<ref>[[Google News]], [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CUxTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YYQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2750,2855403&dq=cuban+pilot+defects&hl=en Top Cuban Pilot Defects to US] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429225713/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CUxTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YYQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2750,2855403&dq=cuban+pilot+defects&hl=en |date=2016-04-29 }} The Deseret News, 21 March 1991, retrieved 5 January 2012</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/21/us/cuban-pilot-who-defected-flies-back-for-family.html Cuban Pilot Who Defected Flies Back for Family] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126114334/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/21/us/cuban-pilot-who-defected-flies-back-for-family.html |date=2017-01-26 }} ''[[The New York Times]]'', 21 December 1992, retrieved 29 June 2017</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Cessna U-3B 0-06063 Army Dobbins 09.76 edited-3.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Army U-3B ''Blue Canoe'' utility communications aircraft delivered in 1961]]
[[File:Cessna 320 OE-FBW HAN 07.05.66 edited-3.jpg|thumb|right|Austrian-registered Cessna 320 Skyknight at the 1966 Hanover Air Show, displaying this variant's fourth side window]]
[[File:Cessna310J.jpg|thumb|Cessna 310J]]
[[File:cessna.310n.g-yhpv.arp.jpg|thumb|right|1968 Cessna 310N, with underwing engine exhaust system and showing the engine nacelle baggage compartment introduced with the 310I]]
[[File:CessnaT310PC-GXXN.JPG|thumb|right|Cessna T310P equipped with a nose-mounted IR detection system for [[aerial firefighting|forest fire detection]]]]
[[File:Cessna310Q.jpg|thumb|Cessna 310Q with skylight rear window]]
[[File:1977CessnaT310R.jpg|thumb|1977 Cessna T310R]]
[[File:Cessna 310R AN0988735.jpg|thumb|Cessna 310R instrument panel]]

;310
:Initial production variant, powered by two {{convert|240|hp|abbr=on}} Continental O-470-B or O-470-M engines with carburetors, with maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|4600|lbs}};<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 1–2.</ref> in production for 1955-1957 model years, 547 built.<ref name=BBk310toN />
;310A
:Military version of the 310 for the [[United States Air Force]], designated L-27A and later U-3A; with Continental O-470-M engines and maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|4830|lbs}};<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 2–3.</ref> 161 built.<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 3.</ref>
;310B
:Model produced in 1958,<ref name=BBk310toN /> with new instrument panel,<ref name="sim2p126">Simpson 1995, p. 126</ref> O-470-M engines and maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|4700|lbs}};<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 4.</ref> 225 built.<ref name=BBk310toN /><ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 5.</ref>
;310C
:Model produced in 1959,<ref name=BBk310toN /> with {{convert|260|hp|abbr=on}} Continental IO-470-D fuel-injected engines and maximum takeoff weight increased to {{convert|4830|lbs}};<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 5–6.</ref> and minor changes; 260 built.<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 6.</ref> Unit cost $59,950 in 1959<ref>{{cite magazine|title=New 220-Mph Cessna: 5 Cabin Choices, "Engine Silencer", Fuel-Injection!|department=Advert |magazine=Flying|date=January 1959|volume=64|issue=1|pages=60–61}}</ref>
;310D
:First model with swept vertical tail,<ref>''Cessna 310 thru 310D (1955–1960) Maintenance Manual'', Section 6-10-00. Retrieved June 24, 2017</ref> other minor detail changes;{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} 268 built for 1960 model year.<ref name=BBk310toN />
;310E
:Military version of the 310F,<ref name="sim2p126"/> designated the L-27B and later U-3B; with maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|4990|lbs}};<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 8.</ref> 36 built.<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 9.</ref>
;310F
:Model produced in 1961,<ref name=BBk310toN /> with extra cabin window each side, pointed nose and other minor changes;<ref name="sim2p126"/> maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|4830|lbs}}; 155 built.<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 10.</ref>
;310G
:First model with canted slimline tip tanks and optional six-seat cabin,<ref name="sim2p126"/> with maximum takeoff weight increased to {{convert|4990|lbs}}<ref name="Type Certificate 3A10, p. 11"/> and detail changes,<ref name="sim2p126"/> 156 built in 1962.<ref name=BBk310toN />
;310H
:Model produced in 1963 with maximum takeoff weight increased to {{convert|5100|lbs}}<ref name=BBk310toN /><ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 13.</ref> and enlarged cabin interior. 148 built.<ref name="sim2p126"/>
;E310H
:Version of 310H with the {{convert|4990|lbs|adj=on}} maximum takeoff weight of the 310G;<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 14.</ref> combined total of 148 310H and E310H built.<ref name=BBk310toN />
;310I
:First model with baggage compartments in rear of engine nacelles, Continental IO-470-U engines<ref name=TCDSp15 /> and minor detail changes;<ref name="sim2p126"/> 200 built in 1964.<ref name=BBk310toN />
;310J
:Model produced in 1965<ref name=BBk310toN /> with minor detailed changes<ref name="sim2p126"/> and maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|5100|lbs}}.<ref name=TCDSp15>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 15.</ref>
;310J-1
:Version of 310J type-certified in the Utility Category; with maximum takeoff weight increased to {{convert|5150|lbs}}; seating limited to four people instead of the 310J's six; and reduced baggage weight limit.<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 16–18.</ref>
;E310J
:Version of 310J with maximum takeoff weight reduced to {{convert|4990|lbs}};<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 18.</ref> combined total of 200 310J, 310J-1 and E310J built.<ref name=BBk310toN /><ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 17–19.</ref>
;310K
:First model with optional three-blade propellers<ref name="Type Certificate 3A10, p. 19"/> and long 'vista view' side windows;<ref name="sim2p126"/> also increased maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|5200|lbs}} with IO-470-V or IO-470-VO engines;<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 19–20.</ref> 245 built in 1966.<ref name=BBk310toN />
;310L
:First model with increased fuel capacity via fuel tanks inside wings and optional fuel tanks in engine nacelles,<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 21.</ref> also single-piece windshield, redesigned landing gear, and minor changes;<ref name="jawa67p238">Taylor 1967, p. 238.</ref> 207 built in 1967.<ref name=BBk310toN />
;310M
:Revised designation for the 310E.<ref name="sim2p126"/>
;310N
:Model produced in 1968,<ref name=BBk310toN /> with revised instrument panel and provision for optional cargo door and fuel;<ref name="jawa68p254">Taylor 1968, p. 254.</ref> 198 built.<ref name=BBk310toN>{{cite web |url=http://www.aircraftbluebook.com/Navigation.do?product=ABB&typeId=5&type=Multi+Engine+Piston&makeId=13&make=Cessna&modelId=138&model=CESSNA+310 |title=Cessna 310 |website=Aircraft Bluebook |publisher=Penton |date=Summer 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809162242/http://www.aircraftbluebook.com/Navigation.do?product=ABB&typeId=5&type=Multi+Engine+Piston&makeId=13&make=Cessna&modelId=138&model=CESSNA+310 |archive-date=9 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
;{{visible anchor|310P}}
:Model produced in 1969,<ref name=BBk310P&Q /> with Continental IO-470-VO engines,<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 23.</ref> ventral fin and a shorter nose gear leg.<ref name="jawa69p301">Taylor 1969, p. 301.</ref>
;{{visible anchor|T310P}}
:Version of 310P with turbocharged [[Continental O-520|Continental TSIO-520-B or TSIO-520-BB]] engines producing {{convert|285|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|5400|lbs}};<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 24–25.</ref> combined total of 240 310P and T310P built.<ref name=BBk310P&Q />
;{{Visible anchor|310Q}}
:Last short-nose model, introduced in 1970,<ref name=BBk310P&Q /> with maximum takeoff weight increased to {{convert|5300|lb|abbr=on}}<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 27.</ref> and detailed changes, from the 401st aircraft fitted with a bulged rear cabin roof with rear view window.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}
;T310Q
:Version of 310Q with turbocharged Continental TSIO-520-B or TSIO-520-BB engines and maximum takeoff weight increased to {{convert|5500|lb|abbr=on}};<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 28–29.</ref> combined total of 871 310Q and T310Q built.<ref name=BBk310P&Q>{{cite web |url=http://www.aircraftbluebook.com/Navigation.do?product=ABB&typeId=5&type=Multi+Engine+Piston&makeId=13&make=Cessna&modelId=139&model=CESSNA+310P+%26+up |title=Cessna 310P and up |website=Aircraft Bluebook |publisher=Penton |date=Summer 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809174049/http://www.aircraftbluebook.com/Navigation.do?product=ABB&typeId=5&type=Multi+Engine+Piston&makeId=13&make=Cessna&modelId=139&model=CESSNA+310P+%26+up |archive-date=9 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
;{{Visible anchor|310R}}
:Last production model, introduced in the 1975 model year,<ref name=BBk310R /> with {{convert|285|hp|abbr=on}} Continental IO-520-M or IO-520-MB engines; three-blade propellers as standard; lengthened nose containing a baggage compartment; and {{convert|5500|lb|abbr=on}} maximum takeoff weight.<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, pp. 29–31.</ref>
;T310R
:Version of 310R with turbocharged Continental TSIO-520-B or TSIO-520-BB engines;<ref>Type Certificate 3A10, p. 31.</ref> combined total of 1,332 310R and T310R built.<ref name=BBk310R>{{cite web |url=http://www.aircraftbluebook.com/Navigation.do?product=ABB&typeId=5&type=Multi+Engine+Piston&makeId=13&make=Cessna&modelId=140&model=CESSNA+310R+%281975+%26+up%29 |title=Cessna 310R (1975 and up) |website=Aircraft Bluebook |publisher=Penton |date=Summer 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809173906/http://www.aircraftbluebook.com/Navigation.do?product=ABB&typeId=5&type=Multi+Engine+Piston&makeId=13&make=Cessna&modelId=140&model=CESSNA+310R+%281975+%26+up%29 |archive-date=9 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
;310S
:Original designation for the Cessna 320.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}
;320 Skyknight
:Enlarged version of the 310F with six seats, larger cabin and two turbocharged engines; 110 built.
;320A Skyknight
:First model with canted fuel tanks and minor changes; 47 built.
;320B Skyknight
:First model with nacelle baggage lockers, minor changes; 62 built.
;320C Skyknight
:Model with a longer cabin, optional seventh seat and minor changes; 73 built.
;320D Executive Skyknight
:Model with reshaped rear windows and {{convert|285|hp|abbr=on}} TSIO-520-B engines; 130 built.
;320E Executive Skyknight
:Model with pointed nose, single piece windshield, modified landing gear, increased takeoff weight and minor changes; 110 built.
;320F Executive Skyknight
:Model with minor changes compared to 320E; 45 built.
;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.
;Colemill Executive 600
:Conversion of models 310F to 310Q, replacing the engines with {{convert|350|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Lycoming O-540|Lycoming TIO-540-J2BDs]] driving four-bladed propellers.<ref name="mitp305">Mitchell 1994, p. 305.</ref>
[[File:N6994T 1960 Cessna 310D Riley Turbo Rocket C-N 39294 (15453326387).jpg|thumb|Riley Turbo Rocket version of the Cessna 310D]]
;Riley 65
:Conversion offered for models 310 to 310G, replacing the engines with two 240-260&nbsp;hp (179–194&nbsp;kW) [[Continental O-470]]Ds or -470Ms.<ref name="JAWA66 p314">Taylor 1966, p. 314.</ref>
; Riley Super 310
:Conversion of Cessna 310/320 by fitting two 310&nbsp;hp (231&nbsp;kW) [[Continental O-520|Continental TSIO-520J or 520N]] engines.<ref name="JAWA82 p453-4">Taylor 1982, pp. 453–454.</ref>
;Riley Turbostream
:Conversion of Cessna 310 by fitting two 350&nbsp;hp Lycoming engines.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Air Progress|date=September 1989|page=29|title=The Man Who Invented the STC}}</ref>
; Riley Rocket
:Conversion of Cessna 310 by fitting two 290&nbsp;hp (216&nbsp;kW) [[Lycoming O-540|Lycoming IO-540-A1A5]] engines and more fuel capacity.<ref name="JAWA66 p314" />
; Riley Turbo-Rocket
: Riley Rocket with each engine fitted with two Riley-manufactured [[turbocharger]]s. Cruise speed increased from {{convert|252|mph|kn km/h|abbr=on}} to {{convert|302|mph|kn km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="jawa67p340">Taylor 1967, p. 340.</ref>

==Operators==


===Civil===
[[File:Cessna 310R, Taxi Aereo Noroeste AN1317731.jpg|thumb|Cessna 310R of ''Taxi Aereo Noroeste'' in Brazil]]
The aircraft is popular with air charter companies and small feeder airlines, and is operated by private individuals and companies.

===Military operators===
Countries known to have operated the U-3/310 include.
[[File:Ce310 CEV (19026734999).jpg|thumb|Cessna 310M of the French Air Force, shown here in 1992]]
[[File:RSAF Cessna 310.jpg|thumbnail|right|[[Royal Saudi Air Force]] Cessna 310 in Riyadh]]
;Argentina
*[[Argentine Air Force]]&nbsp;— Cessna 310 and 320 models<ref name="Krivinyi" />
;Bolivia<ref name="Krivinyi" />
;Colombia
*[[Colombian Air Force]]<ref>Forster ''World Air Power Journal'' Autumn 1997, p. 136.</ref>
;Republic of the Congo<ref name="Krivinyi" />
;France
*[[French Air and Space Force]]&nbsp;— 12 operated<ref name="Krivinyi" /><ref name="Andrade67">Andrade 1982, p. 67.</ref>
;Haiti
*[[Haitian Air Corps|Haiti Air Corps]]<ref name="Krivinyi" />
;Indonesia
*[[Indonesian Air Force]]<ref name="Krivinyi" /><ref name="Andrade106">Andrade 1982, p. 106.</ref>
*[[Indonesian Army|Indonesian Army Aviation]]<ref name="Andrade106" />
;Iran<ref name="Krivinyi" />
;Madagascar
*[[Malagasy Air Force|Air Force of Madagascar]]&nbsp;— One 310R<ref name="Andrade151">Andrade 1982, p. 151.</ref>
;Mexico
*[[Mexican Naval Aviation]]<ref name="Andrade157">Andrade 1982, p. 157.</ref>
;Paraguay
*[[Paraguayan Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://idsa.in/issuebrief/paraguay-military-internal-security-challenges_sbmaharaj_120617|title=Paraguay's Military: Internal Security Challenges vs Bloc Obsolescence &#124; Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses|website=idsa.in}}</ref>
;Peru
*[[Peruvian Navy]]<ref name="Andrade179">Andrade 1982, p. 179.</ref>
;Philippines
*[[Philippine Air Force]]<ref name="Andrade180">Andrade 1982, p. 180.</ref>
;Saudi Arabia<ref name="Krivinyi" />
;Suriname
*[[Suriname Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/fleet/suriname-af-cessna-310.htm|title=Cessna 310 &#124; Suriname Air Force}}</ref>
;Tanzania
*[[Tanzania Air Force Command|Tanzanian Air Force]]<ref name="Krivinyi" /><ref name="Andrade222">Andrade 1982, p. 222.</ref>
;United States
*[[United States Air Force]] received 196 L-27A and L-27B (later redesignated U-3A and B).<ref name="JAWA82 p347">Taylor 1982, p. 347.</ref>
*[[United States Army]] received 25 ex-US Air Force L-27As (later U-3As) and at least 13 L-27Bs (later U-3B) from 1960.<ref name="Harding p85-6">Harding 1990, pp. 85–86.</ref>
;Uruguay
*[[Uruguayan Air Force]] (One 310R)<ref name="Andrade336">Andrade 1982, p. 336.</ref>
;Venezuela
*[[Bolivarian Navy of Venezuela|Venezuelan Navy]]<ref name="Andrade339">Andrade 1982, p. 339.</ref>
;Zaire
*[[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Zaire Air Force]]<ref name="Andrade342">Andrade 1982, p. 342.</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
* On October 28, 1959, a Cessna 310 carrying Cuban revolutionary [[Camilo Cienfuegos]] disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean on a night flight from Camagüey to Havana. Neither the aircraft nor the body of Cienfuegos were ever found.<ref>Thomas, Hugh. 1970,1998. ''Cuba: The Pursuit of Freedom'', pp. 842–3. Da Capo Press, New York. {{ISBN|0-306-80827-7}}</ref>
* On November 26, 1962, a [[Saab 90 Scandia|Saab Scandia 90A-1]], [[aircraft registration]] ''PP-SRA'' of [[VASP]] on a scheduled domestic service in Brazil from [[São Paulo–Congonhas Airport|São Paulo-Congonhas]] to [[Santos Dumont Airport|Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont]] collided in the air over Paraibuna, São Paulo, with a private Cessna 310 ''PT-BRQ'' en route from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont to [[Campo de Marte Airport|São Paulo-Campo de Marte]]. Both were flying on the same [[Airway (aviation)|airway]] in opposite directions and failed to have visual contact. The two aircraft crashed killing all 23 passengers and crew of the Saab and the four occupants of the Cessna.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19621126-1 | title=Accident description PP-SRA and PT-BRQ | publisher=Aviation Safety Network | access-date=2 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104005112/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19621126-1 | archive-date=4 November 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | first=Carlos Ari César | last=Germano da Silva | title=O rastro da bruxa: história da aviação comercial brasileira no século XX através dos seus acidentes 1928–1996 | chapter=No céu de Paraibuna | publisher=EDIPUCRS | edition=2 | place=Porto Alegre | year=2008 | pages=214–216 | isbn=978-85-7430-760-2 | language=pt}}</ref>
* On July 19, 1967, a [[Boeing 727]] operating as [[Piedmont Airlines Flight 22]] collided with a Cessna 310 near [[Hendersonville, North Carolina]], killing all 79 people on board the Boeing 727 and the three people in the Cessna.<ref name="ASN">{{cite web|url = http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19670719-0|title = Accident description|access-date = 2009-07-25|last = Aviation Safety Network|date = June 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110625001004/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19670719-0|archive-date = 2011-06-25|url-status = live}}</ref>
* On October 16, 1972, US Congressmen [[Nick Begich Sr.|Nick Begich]] of Alaska, and [[Hale Boggs]] of Louisiana, disappeared over Alaska while flying in a 310C during a campaign trip.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://libraryonline.erau.edu/online-full-text/ntsb/aircraft-accident-reports/AAR73-01.pdf|title=Aircraft Accident Report Pan Alaska Airways, Ltd. Cessna 310C, N1812H|work=[[National Transportation Safety Board]]|date=January 31, 1973|access-date=July 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422171645/http://libraryonline.erau.edu/online-full-text/ntsb/aircraft-accident-reports/AAR73-01.pdf|archive-date=April 22, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=FamousMissing>{{cite web |access-date=17 February 2012 |url=http://www.check-six.com/lib/Famous_Missing/Boggs.htm |title=Hale Boggs&nbsp;— Missing in Alaska |work=Famous Missing Aircraft |publisher=Check-Six |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213231948/http://www.check-six.com/lib/Famous_Missing/Boggs.htm |archive-date=13 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*On October 4, 1975, a chartered 310Q crashed on final approach to [[New Hanover County Airport]] while transporting wrestlers [[Bob Bruggers]], [[Ric Flair]], [[Johnny Valentine]] and [[Tim Woods]] and promoter [[David Crockett (wrestling)|David Crockett]]  to a [[professional wrestling]] match in nearby [[Wilmington, North Carolina]]. Bruggers and Flair were seriously injured, while Valentine was paralyzed and the pilot subsequently died of his injuries. The aircraft was overloaded and its [[Center of gravity of an aircraft|center of gravity]] was beyond the aft limit; attempting to mitigate these problems, the pilot drained fuel before the flight, causing [[fuel exhaustion]] before the aircraft reached the runway.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/Pages/brief.aspx?ev_id=50413&key=0|title=NTSB Identification: IAD76AI021|publisher=National Transportation Safety Board|access-date=January 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hassell |first=Owen |date=April 23, 2023 |title=WATCH: Wrestling icon Ric Flair recounts Wilmington plane crash on Joe Rogan podcast |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2023/04/23/ric-flair-recounts-wilmington-plane-crash-on-the-joe-rogan-experience/70143923007/ |work=[[Star-News]] |location=Wilmington, North Carolina |access-date=January 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=February 25, 2023 |title=PHOTOS: Ric Flair, Wilmington and the plane crash |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/2023/02/25/ric-flair-and-wilmington-nc-plane-crash-photos/11302564002/ |work=[[Star-News]] |location=Wilmington, North Carolina |access-date=January 12, 2024}}</ref>
*On September 11, 1981, a T310P crashed into an upper wall of the [[Swing Auditorium]] in San Bernardino, California, killing both aircraft occupants; the crash and a major ensuing fire caused severe damage to the building's roof, structural members, insulation, and about a third of the bleachers. The building was ultimately deemed beyond repair and was razed seven months later.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18958003/the_san_bernardino_county_sun/ |last=Lundahl |first=Mark |title=Plane crashes into Swing hall; two die |work=The San Bernardino County Sun |location=San Bernardino, California |date=September 12, 1981|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-bernardino-county-sun-when-swing/11292838/ |last=Stephens |first=Mike |title=Swing Auditorium: Stones, Hendrix played at the Pavilion's forerunner |work=The San Bernardino County Sun |location=San Bernardino, California |date=January 25, 1987|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
* On June 29, 1989, concert organist [[Keith Chapman (organist)|Keith Chapman]] and his wife were killed when their 310Q piloted by Chapman crashed into the [[Sangre de Cristo Mountains]] of the [[Southern Rocky Mountains|Colorado Rockies]] while they were returning from a performance in California.<ref>{{cite news|title=Acclaimed organist dies in plane crash|date=July 4, 1989|publisher=UPI|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/07/04/Acclaimed-organist-dies-in-plane-crash/5251615528000/|access-date=2019-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117013315/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/07/04/Acclaimed-organist-dies-in-plane-crash/5251615528000/|archive-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NTSB Report No. DEN89FA154|url=https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/ReportGeneratorFile.ashx?EventID=20001213X28548&AKey=1&RType=HTML&IType=FA|publisher=National Transportation Safety Board|access-date=2019-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214065344/https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/ReportGeneratorFile.ashx?EventID=20001213X28548&AKey=1&RType=HTML&IType=FA|archive-date=2018-12-14|url-status=live}}</ref> 

{{as of|2017|07}}, the US [[National Transportation Safety Board]] has recorded 1,787 incidents for Cessna 310s since 12 January 1964. Of these, 436 were fatal.<ref name="NTSBInq">{{cite web|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/Results.aspx?queryId=cb69330e-87e3-4a69-84b6-ffcb83652ddb|title=Summary of Cessna 310 accidents|access-date=2017-07-27|last=National Transportation Safety Board|author-link=National Transportation Safety Board|date=July 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222082033/https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/Results.aspx?queryId=cb69330e-87e3-4a69-84b6-ffcb83652ddb|archive-date=December 22, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
*U-3A "Blue Canoe" ''58-2124'' is on display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft is one of several transferred from the USAF to the U.S. Army, and was flown to the museum in September 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cessna U-3A > National Museum of the United States Air Force™ > Display |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/198030/cessna-u-3a/ |access-date=February 12, 2025 |website=www.nationalmuseum.af.mil}}</ref>
*310 ''N6775X'', a 1955 model formerly flown by actor [[James Stewart|Jimmy Stewart]], has been restored and placed as a [[gate guardian]] at [[Indiana County–Jimmy Stewart Airport|Indiana County-Jimmy Stewart Airport]] in [[Indiana, Pennsylvania]]. The aircraft is mounted on a pedestal to act as a [[weather vane]], and its propellers rotate with the wind.<ref>{{Cite web |title=‘Jimmy’ Stewart’s Cessna 310 points the way to Pennsylvania airport |url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/november/16/jimmy-stewarts-cessna-310-points-the-way-to-pennsylvania-airport |access-date=February 12, 2025 |first=David |last=Tulis |date=November 16, 2020 |website=www.aopa.org |language=en}}</ref>

==Specifications (1956 model 310)==
{{multiple image
 |total_width = 500
 | image1 = Cessna L-27A 3-view line drawing.png
 | alt1 = 3-view line drawing of the Cessna L-27A
 | caption1 = 3-view line drawing of the Cessna L-27A
 | image2 = Cessna 320F Executive Skyknight 3-view line drawing.png
 | alt2 = 3-view line drawing of the Cessna 320F Executive Skyknight
 | caption2 = 3-view line drawing of the Cessna 320F Executive Skyknight
}}

{{Aircraft specs
| ref=1956 ''Observers Book of Aircraft''<ref name="Green">Green, William: ''Observers Book of Aircraft'', page 56. Frederick Warne Publishing, 1956.</ref><!-- the reference for the data given -->
| prime units?=imp<!-- "imp", "kts" or "met" to display the units in a given order. Without an entry here, no specifications will show -->
<!-- 
 General characteristics
-->
| genhide=
| crew=one
| capacity=four passengers
| length m=
| length ft=27
| length in=0
| span m=
| span ft=35
| span in=0
| height m=
| height ft=10
| height in=6
| wing area sqm=
| wing area sqft=175
| wing area note=<ref name="jawa56 p248">Bridgman 1956, p. 248.</ref>
| empty weight kg=
| empty weight lb=2850
| gross weight kg=
| gross weight lb=4600
| fuel capacity={{convert|100|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}}<ref name="jawa56 p248"/>
<!-- 
 Powerplant
-->
| eng1 number=2
| eng1 name=[[Continental O-470-B]]
| eng1 type=horizontally opposed piston engine
| eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
| eng1 hp=240<!-- prop engines -->
| prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
| prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
| prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
| prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
<!-- 
 Performance
-->
| perfhide=
| max speed kmh=
| max speed mph=220
| max speed kts=
| cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
| cruise speed mph=205<!-- if max speed unknown -->
| cruise speed kts=
| range km=
| range miles=1000
| range nmi=
| ceiling m=
| ceiling ft=20000
| climb rate ms=
| climb rate ftmin=1700
| more performance=
| avionics=
}}

==References==
* {{cite web |title=Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A10, Revision 63 |date=July 29, 2015 |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/A40A3CC742CF6B6186257ED2006934E0.0001 |access-date=November 11, 2023}}
*Andrade, John. ''Militair 1982''. London: Aviation Press Limited, 1982. {{ISBN|0-907898-01-7}}
* Bridgman, Leonard. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1956–57''. New York: The McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1956.
* {{cite magazine |last=Foster |first=Peter R. |title=Air Power Analysis: Part One: Columbia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela |magazine=World Air Power Journal |date=Autumn 1997 |volume=30 |pages=132–157 |issn=0959-7050 |isbn=1-86184-004-7 |ref={{harvid|Forster ''World Air Power Journal'' Autumn 1997}} }}
* Harding, Stephen. ''U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947''. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1990. {{ISBN|1-85310-102-8}}.
* {{cite magazine|last=Harvey |first=Frank |title=The Air War in Vietnam |magazine=Flying |pages=38–95 |publisher=Ziff-Davis Publishing Company |location=New York |date=November 1966}}
* Michell, Simon. ''Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1994. {{ISBN|0-7106-1208-7}}.
* {{cite book |last=Simpson |first=R. W. |title=Airlife's General Aviation |year=1995 |edition=Second |location=Shrewsbury, UK |publisher=Airlife Publishing Ltd |isbn=1-85310-577-5}}
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1966–67''. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1966.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1967–68''. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1967.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1968–69''. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1968.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1969–70''. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1969.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83''. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. {{ISBN|0-7106-0748-2}}.



[[Category:Cessna aircraft|310]]
[[Category:1950s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1953]]
[[Category:Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]