Cessna XMC

{{Short description|American light aircraft demonstrator}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}} {{Use American English|date=November 2021}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = XMC | logo = | logo_size = | image = Cessna XMC.jpg | alt = | caption = 3-view | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = Technology demonstrator | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = United States | manufacturer = Cessna | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = Development canceled in 1972 | owners = | primary_user = Cessna | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = 1 | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = | introduction = | retired = | first_flight = January 22, 1971 | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = | variants = | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}

The '''Cessna XMC''' was a prototype technology demonstrator designed to show advanced aerodynamics and materials. The marketing name of ''XMC'' stood for "Experimental Magic Carpet", with the single test aircraft designated ''Cessna 1014'' and later ''1034'' in company documentation.<ref name="Cessnas">{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Daryl |date=2005-05-08 |title=The Cessnas that got away |url=https://wingsoverkansas.com/murphy/article.asp?id=461 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202180007/http://wingsoverkansas.com/murphy/article.asp?id=461 |archive-date=2010-12-02 |access-date=2017-08-25 |website=Wings Over Kansas}}</ref>{{TOC limit|limit=2}}

==Design and development== The two-seat Cessna XMC was built to test several concepts in light aircraft design including a ducted propeller and swept cantilever wing. The program ran from the beginning of 1971 until the end of 1972. The aircraft was used to assess improved visibility, center of gravity effects, control surface locations and response, cabin noise levels and also the relationship of wing versus engine and propeller.<ref name="Cessnas" /><ref name="Visschedijk">{{Cite web |last=Visschedijk |first=Johan |last2=van Tilborg |first2=Walter |last3=Smith |first3=Karl |date=2003-12-14 |title=Cessna XMC |url=https://1000aircraftphotos.com/HistoryBriefs/CessnaXMC.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524230506/https://1000aircraftphotos.com/HistoryBriefs/CessnaXMC.htm |archive-date=2025-05-24 |access-date=2017-08-25 |website=1000aircraftphotos.com}}</ref>

The XMC employed metal-to-metal bonding, allowing for experimentation in expanded use for bonding in other types in the Cessna commercial product line. Additional stress testing was also conducted as necessary as the aircraft entered further testing and modification.<ref name="XMC">{{Cite magazine |title=Cessna Aircraft Company's XMC |magazine=Canadian Wings |date=June–July 1971 |page=11}}</ref>

The sole prototype was registered as N7174C and given Cessna serial number 674. It was powered by a Continental O-200 {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} engine mounted in pusher configuration. This was the same powerplant used in the then-current production Cessna 150. The tail boom was similar in design to that used on the Cessna Skymaster.<ref name="Cessnas" /><ref name="Visschedijk" />

The first flight of the 1014 model was made on January 22, 1971 by Cessna test pilot Bruce Barrett. The aircraft was modified in 1972 and given a new model number, 1034. In this configuration it was first flown June 1, 1972, again with Bruce Barrett at the controls.<ref name="Visschedijk" />

==Operational history== ===Test program=== The test program consisted of three phases:

;Phase I - Model 1014 - January 1971 :Ground handling, flying characteristics and visibility testing ;Phase II - Model 1014 - May 1971 :Exploring methods of reducing weight and production costs for single and twin-engine Cessnas ;Phase III - Model 1034 - June 1972 :Use of shrouded propeller to test improvements in propeller efficiency and reduction of noise

===Test results=== The XMC project ended in 1972. The aircraft configuration proved to have higher cabin noise levels than the production Cessna 150 and offered no performance advantages over the older design.<ref name="Visschedijk" />

==Variants== ;Model 1014 XMC :The single aircraft in its initial configuration with unducted pusher propeller and fully faired nose wheel.<ref name="Cessnas" /> ;Model 1034 XMC :The same aircraft was modified in 1972 with a shrouded propeller to explore two design areas: improvement of the propulsive efficiency and noise reduction. The spatted nose gear was replaced by a wheel fairing, as was the main gear. An increased vertical stabilizer area and revised wing tips were also tested.<ref name="Visschedijk" />

==Specifications (Cessna XMC prototype)== {{Aircraft specs |ref=The Cessnas that got away<ref name="Cessnas" /> ''&'' Cessna XMC<ref name="Visschedijk" /> |prime units?=kts  |genhide=

|crew=1 |capacity=1 Flight test observer |length m=7.01 |span m=9.75  |eng1 number=1 |eng1 name=Continental O-200 |eng1 type=4-cyl. horizontally opposed air-cooled piston engine |eng1 hp=100 }}

{{aircontent  |see also= |related= |similar aircraft= |lists= }}

==References== {{Reflist}} {{refbegin}} {{refend}}

==External links== * [https://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Visschedijk/2577L.jpg Photo of Cessna 1014 XMC] * {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510034249id_/http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/photos/cessna/dm/got-away/CessnaXMC.jpg|title=Photo of Cessna 1034 XMC}}

Category:1970s United States experimental aircraft Category:Abandoned civil aircraft projects of the United States Category:Aircraft first flown in 1971 XMC Category:Ducted fan-powered aircraft Category:High-wing aircraft Category:Single-engined pusher aircraft Category:Twin-boom aircraft Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear