Cessna’s Model 407 mock-up was marketed to both military and civilian customers but was ultimately canceled before a flying prototype was completed. [Courtesy: Cessna]
Key Takeaways:
In the late 1950s/early 1960s, Cessna developed the 407 by uniquely reversing its usual process, adapting the T-37 military jet trainer for civilian use rather than modifying civilian aircraft for military roles.
The 407 was intended as a comfortable, four-place personal jet, featuring a low-slung, pressurized cabin and impressive performance capabilities for its class.
Cessna aimed to leverage common components and tooling from the T-37 to minimize development costs and compete in the blossoming personal jet market.
Despite building a full-scale mock-up and commencing prototype construction, the 407 project was ultimately abandoned in favor of the more successful Citation family of business jets.
The late 1950s and early ’60s saw a frenzy of aircraft development. Largely driven by military contracts that called for a specialized type dedicated to each role, variety abounded, and unique designs emerged to address the many military requirements of the era.
Cessna was no exception, and it took an interesting approach to developing a new model in September 1959.
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Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He can be found on Instagram as @cessnateur.
