Peterson (Wren)
modification of Cessna 182

This is a modification of the common Cessna 182 airframe and encompasses several different modifications to the original airframe. Todd Peterson has acquired the rights to the original Wren modifications and currently markets them under his name. The original Wren modifications involved flap and aileron modifications, canards (forward wings), and a rather bizarre looking series of stall fences on the upper surface of the main wing. The current Peterson modifications include installation of a 260 hp engine in place of the stock 230 hp engine and canard. Because of the canard, the modified Cessna can climb at lesser angles of attack than traditional STOL planes and the manufacturer claims this is an added safety feature over traditional STOL planes. Some of these planes feature reversible pitch propellers for shorter landing rolls.

Both Wren and Peterson have claimed some impressive STOL abilities over the stock Cessna 182 and while these claims are not disputed by the author, they are unverified. Take off distances of 300 feet are claimed with cruise speeds of 153 knots. The author has never encountered such a plane (either Wren or Peterson) and does not believe these modifications to be common. The author does agree with the theory of the modifications as yielding a capable STOL aircraft. Once again, however, the author is unable to verify the veracity of the claims.

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