To investigate and evaluate new light aircraft design and aerodynamics, new construction
techniques and advanced materials, Cessna build the XMC (Experimental Magic Carpet). This
sole research aircraft (N7174C, c/n 674) was given the engineering designation Model 1014.
It flew for the first time on January 22, 1971 with Bruce Barrett at the controls.
Subsequently the XMC entered Phase I of the research and development flight testing
programme, consisting of ground handling, flying characteristics and visibility throughout
the entire flight regime.
The two-seat XMC had a swept-back high-wing placed aft of the cabin giving the pilot greater
turn visibility than possible with most high-wing designs. Further it featured a twin-boom
twin-fin tail construction and spatted nose gear. Power came from an 100 hp Continental
O-200A reciprocating engine mounted behind the cabin and driving a pusher propeller.
Phase II of testing started in May 1971 and methods to reduce weight and costs of both
single and multi-engined Cessna models were tested. In 1972 the XMC was modified for Phase
III to such an extend that it received a new engineering designation, Model 1034. First
flight of this new model, still named the XMC, was made on June 1, 1972, again with Bruce
Barrett at the controls. Modification included the spatted nose gear being replaced by a
wheel fairing, vertical stabilizer area was increased, and wing tips were revised. Most
important alteration was the shroud being placed around the propeller to explore two design
areas: improvement of the propulsive efficiency; and noise reduction.
Other tests with the XMC were experiments with CG (center of gravity) effects, control
surface location/response, cabin noise levels and relationship of wing to engine/propeller.
The noise reduction did not work, in fact noise level rose two or three decibels due to the
higher engine revolutions. In the end the project was dropped because it also provided no
significant performance increase over the C-150 model already in production and Cessna had
engine-cooling problems with the XMC.