The Cessna 152 Aerobat is a single-engine, 2-seat, light civil aircraft that was developed and manufactured by American aviation firm Cessna. The model is a variant of the standard 152 that comprises modifications to enable several types of aerobatic maneuvers, including Cuban eights, barrel rolls, chandelles, spins, rolls, loops, Immelmann turns, and others.
The company developed the base model 152 on their successful 150 model, which it manufactured from 1958 until 1977. Cessna introduced the base model 152 in 1977 and manufactured it until 1985. The company manufactured the 152 Aerobat from 1978 to 1985, producing a total of 315 units.
The airframe of the 152 Aerobat is constructed primarily of aluminum, with some fiberglass and plastic components. It features a strut-braced, high-mounted main wing, a standard empennage, and a fixed tricycle undercarriage. The cockpit has side-by-side seating, a high-visibility canopy, and a basic instrument layout. The Aerobat is fitted with 4-point harnesses, comprises doors that can be quickly jettisoned, has removable seat cushions to accommodate parachutes to be worn by pilots, and features a distinctive checkerboard pattern integrated into its livery. It can sustain stresses from +6 to -3 gs.
The 152 Aerobat measures 24 feet, 1 inch in length, stands 8 feet, 6 inches tall, and has a wingspan of 33 feet, 4 inches. It is powered by a 4-cylinder Lycoming O-235 piston engine that delivers up to 110 horsepower and drives a 2-blade, fixed-pitch propeller.
The Cessna 152 Aerobat has a range of 478 miles, a service ceiling of 14,700 feet above sea level, and it climbs at up to 715 feet per minute. It cruises at 123 miles per hour, stalls at 49 mph, and has a top speed of 126 mph.