The Early Skymaster History
 

This document describes in great detail the engineering and design decisions faced by the Cessna engineers as they developed the 336/337 Skymaster.

Although not a long document, it is authoritative in what it does cover.

Apparently Bill Lear of Learjet fame was insistent that the Skymaster be fixed gear. His reasoning was interesting - its in the first paragraph.

Did you know the 336's rear fan uses 3 hp?

Bets were taken amongst engineers as to which engine would provide the best single engine rate of climb.

The trim system is among the most complicated ever installed in a GA aircraft.

Well worth a read.

The file is in PDF format.

Apologies if this has been posted previously.

Thanks for posting—that’s an interesting read!

I second that...., very interesting. Thank you!