"First introduced in 1955, the Model 172 was essentially a Model 170 with tricycle undercarriage and revised tail surfaces. The swept-tail 172A was introduced in 1960. Current versions are powered by a 160hp engine giving a cruising speed of about 225km/h. The Model 172E is a more powerful version with a 210hp Continental. Known in the US Army and Air Force as the T-41 Mescalero, the type is used for basic training. It has also been bought by a few South American air forces. Top of the line is the Model R-172 Hawk XP, which was also produced in France by Reims Aviation. Power is provided by a 195hp Continental. 35.773 Model 172 Skyhawks had been produced by the end of 1987, including 2.144 French-built F172s. In addition 864 military Mescaleros were built."
-Jane's