The Cessna Model EC-1 was a 1930s American single-seat, free-floating high tourer glider built by the Cessna Aircraft Company in the early 1930s as a response to the Great Depression. Designed by Eldon Cessna, it was a single-seat, free-floating high glider based on the CG-2 training glider, with a 26 hp Cleone engine. Although it was not put into serial production, the EC-1 played a role in Cessna's eventual success.[1]
In 1930, the company completed the first prototype of this aircraft, designated as the EC-1 and registered as N133V. The EC-1 was a s equipped with a 25 hp Cleone engine.[4][5] A second aircraft of this type, registered as N199V, was also produced shortly after. The EC-2, a two-seat version of the aircraft, was subsequently developed and equipped with a 30 hp (22 kW) Aeronca E-107A engine.[6] Only two prototypes, registered as N403W and N405W and painted red, were constructed under this designation. These prototypes were commonly referred to as "Baby Cessnas".[4][7] Cessna did not proceed with serial production of the EC-1 or EC-2, as operations were suspended until 1934. The sole surviving EC-1 is currently on display at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum.[8]
a Redesignated during development • b Not built • c Produced only by Reims • d Transferred to Beechcraft during development • e Early models had no "I" suffix; some sources call these aircraft the Citation 500