Question about the 180 hp 172

[Rimshot]

Hi fellas,

As I understand from the manual and Wikipedia the 180 hp variant of the Cessna 172 was introduced as the 172S (Skyhawk SP) in 1998. The difference from the 172R model is the propeller and an increase of maximum RPM of the engine from 2400 to 2700 to get the extra 20 hp. I also understand the 172S was delivered with a default leather interior (as opposed to fabric in the 172R) and a more expensive avionics stack. So if you want 160 hp you purchase a 172R and if you need an extra 20 hp you get the 172S (which is now the only available option). In the sim with your model, switching the prop means swithing from an R to an S model, as stated in the manual (wouldn't it be nice to get that leater interior as well? How about that all you repainters out there? )
But here's the question: yesterday there was a beautiful 172, the PH-STZ, visiting EHDR, my home airport. By the looks of it she was a 172R model. I talked to the pilot and he told me it indeed was a 172R and had a 180 hp engine. I figured he might be mistaken, because I thought with a 180 hp engine it should be a 172S. But upon inspecting the aircraft it had a standard fabric interior and indeed a 172R avionics stack. And a metal plate on the fuselage near the tail also showed it was indeed a 172R. Does this mean it is also possible to upgrade a 172R from 160 to 180 hp as simple as is done with your Accusim model, by installing a different propeller? Do you guys know if this is a real world option?

[Piper_EEWL]

Hi,

If you saw a real world 172R with 180hp then obviously it is possible to upgrade the R model isn't it? I highly doubt that it's as easy as in the sim though

To your question for the leather interior. Check this thread out. Some nice leather interiors done by Al.

Take care

[Rimshot]

Hi,

If you saw a real world 172R with 180hp then obviously it is possible to upgrade the R model isn't it? I highly doubt that it's as easy as in the sim though

To your question for the leather interior. Check this thread out. Some nice leather interiors done by Al.

Take care

You're right! I saw it, so it's possible indeed. Thanks for that link, I'll check it out

[Oracle427]

You can definitely upgrade many models to 180HP. We had a 172N with a 180HP STC. It makes those older and generally lighter 172s climb like rockets!

https://www.pennyanaero.com/stcs-hp-upgrades.php

[AKar]

It is handled as any airplane modification. As such, it is never simple. Luckily, Air Plains offers an STC that uprates the R-model. Of course, it won't make it an S-model, but...well, an uprated R.

The R and S, to my knowledge, were never offered as an optional models, but the S superseeded the R model in production.

-Esa

[Rimshot]

It is handled as any airplane modification. As such, it is never simple. Luckily, Air Plains offers an STC that uprates the R-model. Of course, it won't make it an S-model, but...well, an uprated R.

The R and S, to my knowledge, were never offered as an optional models, but the S superseeded the R model in production.

-Esa

Thanks for the replies guys. So that AirPlaines site shows how it's done to give your 172R that 20 extra hp. Thanks for that link! And guess what, this company has upgraded the 172R I saw

http://www.zelfvliegen.nl/downloads/POH ... PH-STZ.pdf

I believe the 172R and S were in production at the same time by the way. The S was introduced in 1998 and I have seen R models for sale built after 2000.

Apart from the already mentioned differences between the R and S models are there any external differences between the two? Or is the fuselage the same for both models?

[AKar]

Well, bits and pieces are different... the main wheel tires are different, tire pressures are different, airspeed indicating system is apparently different. The airframe is structurally the same apart usual minor differences that can be found in between different serials of even the same model.

Re. production dates, typically in small plane production the last R and the first S are of course in manufacturing at the same time. The airplane's manufacturing year is normally quoted as the date of CoA, and in some cases those can be issued at curious dates: sometimes later s/n's can actually be 'newer' by the official date as the planes may not come out in order, or may be temporarily put aside half-finished especially when changes in production are happening. Anyways, I don't know how the case was with 172 models, Cessna's production data is often harder to deduce than Piper's.

-Esa

[Piper_EEWL]

And guess what, this company has upraded the 172R I saw

The aviation world is usually pretty small

[Rimshot]

Well, bits and pieces are different... the main wheel tires are different, tire pressures are different, airspeed indicating system is apparently different. The airframe is structurally the same apart usual minor differences that can be found in between different serials of even the same model.

Re. production dates, typically in small plane production the last R and the first S are of course in manufacturing at the same time. The airplane's manufacturing year is normally quoted as the date of CoA, and in some cases those can be issued at curious dates: sometimes later s/n's can actually be 'newer' by the official date as the planes may not come out in order, or may be temporarily put aside half-finished especially when changes in production are happening. Anyways, I don't know how the case was with 172 models, Cessna's production data is often harder to deduce than Piper's.

-Esa

Thanks Esa, that makes sense.

[AKar]

And guess what, this company has upraded the 172R I saw

The aviation world is usually pretty small

I understand Air Plains is very well regarded company, and many of their mods make a lot of sense. For instance, the older 182 models do very well when the old Continental 230 hp O-470 is upgraded into 300 hp IO-550. The basic 182 is arguably rather underpowered for many of its assumed roles, and the added hp help with that without going over the top, which would result in handling issues. Albeit as far as I remember the carrying capacity is not increased without a separate STC - mixing those may or may not be of some pain. For instance, one can end up with several, conflicting performance supplements.

-Esa

[Piper_EEWL]

I understand Air Plains is very well regarded company, and many of their mods make a lot of sense. For instance, the older 182 models do very well when the old Continental 230 hp O-470 is upgraded into 300 hp IO-550. The basic 182 is arguably rather underpowered for many of its assumed roles...

One of those being a parachute drop plane. They're converting one at a neighboring airfield here from the O-470 to an IO-550. That IO-550 is one big engine and I'm sure the 300hp are going to help hauling the parachuters up to 12k - 14k ft.