Cessna
produced its first T-50 light transport for the civil market
in 1939. The U.S. Army Air Corps purchased they type as the AT-8
Bobcat as an multi-engine advanced trainer.
With an engine change, the Bobcat was redesignated
the AT-17. In 1942, the U.S. Army Air Force started
using the Bobcat as a light personal transport and changed the
designation to UC-78. Pilots gave the Bobcat the
nickname "Bamboo Bomber".
Over 4,600 of all types were produced for the Army
some of which were transferred to the Navy (designated the JRC).
Over 800 were built for the Royal Canadian Air Force who named the
aircraft the Crane.
