Most everyone got it pretty close.
Any of the Cherokee series is a -28. R = retractable and T=turbo. As far as names, EagleRJ got it right. The thing to remember is that when you see a 0 or a 5 in the last number, it means it is the original constant chord "Hershey Bar" wing.
The models with a 1 or a 6 indicates the tapered wing named Cherokees such as Warriors, Archers, Dakotas and so on. Basically its the HP + 1 to indicate the taper wing. Most of the original models were simply known as a Cherokee, plus whatever HP they had.
The school I taught at had both the Arrow 2 (straight wing) and the 3 (same, but tapered wing). Glide characteristics couldn't have been more different. The Arrow 2 came down liked a chrome plated manhole cover, whereas the 3 was a bit better.
Some Piper models had designations using the same name. Comanches were PA-30s, while later versions with counter rotating props were the PA-39s.
As far as I can tell, Cessna used a straight numbering system, with A,B,C and so on to designate subsiquent models of the same type. The names "Skyhawk", "Skylane" and so on usually were to designate trim levels (avionics, interior, etc).
I understand that the fixed gear version of the 180 hp 172 (the "Q", NOT the current model, but the non-RG Cutlass) was built specifically for ERAU Prescott, which is why there are so few (only 389 built in 1983-84).
The Hawk XP (R172K) was 195hp, and had a weird de-rated IO-360K. It was built from 77 to 81, and personally, I thought it inferior in almost every way the the plane it replaced, the C-177 Cardinal .
The T-41As were built on the same line as 172 F/G/H/Ks from '65 to '68, and originally had Continental O-300s at 145hp, and went to the Air Force. The -41B were Army birds (1967), and had Continental IO-360s (fuel injected) at 210hp and had 28v electrical systems. The -41Cs were USAF birds, and were essentially the same as the -41B, except with the stock 14v electrical system.
The -41D, built from '68-'75 were simlar to 172s of the time with a number of improvements, such as reinforcment, abrasion boots, provision for wing pylons.
In France, Reims Aviation, who had license to produce Cessna designs had a 210hp 172 called the FR172 E/F/J/H/J "Reims Rocket" from -68 to -76.
There were also some higher HP Cessnas built that you just don't see much of, like the C-175 (the high trim model was the "Skylark"), which had a wierd GO-300 175hp geared Continental
I don't know if you younger guys dig this kind of history, but Cessna used to CRANK out the airplanes, especially from 1975-1979, with almost 17,000 being built in 1978 alone across the industry.
If you guys want a real challenge, go decepher the numbering system for Citabrias and Decathalons.
And for you Trivia buffs, who can name the helicopter that Cessna built?
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