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.
Design and Development
Following the onset of the Great Depression after the Wall Street crash of 1929, Cessna Aircraft encountered significant challenges in selling their aircraft. To address this, the company pursued the development of a small, cost-effective airplane that would be economical to operate. The project was led by Eldon Cessna, the son of Clyde Cessna. The design was based on the CG-2 training glider and was equipped with a 26 hp (19 kW) Cleone engine.
In 1930, the company completed the first prototype, registered as N133V. A second aircraft, registered as N199V, was also produced shortly after. A total of two EC-1s were built.
Variant
A two-seat version, the Cessna EC-2, was subsequently developed and equipped with a 30 hp (22 kW) Aeronca E-107A engine. Only two prototypes of the EC-2 were constructed. Both the EC-1 and EC-2 were commonly referred to as "Baby Cessnas."
Production and Legacy
Cessna did not proceed with serial production of the EC-1 or EC-2, as company operations were suspended until 1934. Although not put into serial production, the EC-1 played a role in Cessna's eventual success. The sole surviving EC-1 is currently on display at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada.
