Cessna had developed the T-50 as a 3-passenger mini airliner in the late 1930s, but it likely would have been a forgotten experiment if not for the training and light-transport needs of the U.S. Army during World War II. Over 5,000 frames were built and hundreds were made available after the war to civilian operators. Their radial engines were easy to maintain, and the lightweight framing of steel tubing, wood stringers, and fabric covering allowed for slow takeoff and landing speeds. It was a versatile and easy-to-fly aircraft that helped start many carriers in the 1940s and 1950s.
If you use these photos, please credit the Northwest Airlines History Center – please also contact us to let us know how you’re using them and if we can be of further help!
Northwest
NWA maintained one Bobcat at its St. Paul base during WWII for catch-all duties – “survey and training” as marked on its sides. It never carried passengers or handled civilian business.
Wisconsin Central
After Four Wheel Drive Auto Company spun its corporate air shuttle into Wisconsin Central Airlines, the pre-war vintage aircraft FWD had been using were disposed of and a pair of war-surplus Bobcats were introduced. These flew intrastate services (Madison-Milwaukee-Clintonville-Wausau-Rhinelander-Superior) while Wisconsin Central was petitioning the CAB for certification in 1946-1947. Upon receiving its federal award in October 1947, the Bobcats were replaced by Lockheed 10A Electras.
Bonanza
Ed Converse started Bonanza in 1945 with single-engine Cessnas, but strong growth in 1946 led him to add Piper Cubs and three military-surplus Bobcats. The T-50s were put on the scheduled route from Las Vegas to Reno from August 1946 while also handling charter business. By 1949 they had been replaced with Douglas DC-3 equipment.
(We are hunting for photos of Bonanza’s Bobcats – please contact us if you have images you’d like to share!)
