The iconic Cessna 172 Skyhawk, the most successful light airplane, is being extensively modernized by various companies.
Key modernization efforts include converting the aircraft to more fuel-efficient and reliable turbodiesel engines, alongside installing advanced flat-panel avionics and refurbished interiors.
Projects like Redbird's "Redhawk," Cessna's 172 JT-A, and Sporty's 172LITE aim to provide contemporary, cost-effective training aircraft for flight schools and clubs.
Discover the many faces of today’s 172 as a modern science meets a classic.
With more than 43,000 built, Cessna’s 172 ranks as the most successful light airplane ever.Redbird’s Skyhawk project, which it calls the “Redhawk,” takes an existing Skyhawk and makes it like a new training airplane, with a Centurion 2.0 turbodiesel engine, new flat-panel avionics, a new comfy but utilitarian interior, an airframe overhaul and new paint.(Photo by Isabel Goyer)The refurbished Redhawk comes jam-packed with features, including the Garmin G500 cockpit.Read more about the Redhawks here.(Photo by Isabel Goyer)Powered by Continental’s CD-135 turbodiesel engine, the Premier Skyhawk sips jet-A fuel.(Photo by Stephen Pope)A closer look at Continental’s CD-135 turbodiesel engine.(Photo by Stephen Pope)A partnership among the Africair Group of Companies has been converting avgas Skyhawks to diesel birds for more than a decade.The Skyhawk diesel, now called the 172 JT-A, is equipped with a more powerful version of the same engine, but one that is far more reliable and better supported than the original.Read more about the Cessna 172 JT-A here.Sporty’s launched the 172LITE trainer, which it is offering to flight schools and flying clubs for a fraction of the cost of a new Cessna Skyhawk.Read more about Sporty’s 172LITE here.Superior Air Parts have created made-over budget Skyhawks.Read more about Superior’s Vantage engine replacement for the Skyhawk.
