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AT-10 Wichita
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Photo:
Robert Deering 10/18/2012 National Museum of the USAF Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO) Dayton, Ohio |
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In 1940-1941 Beech
Aircraft designed an advanced, multi-engine
trainer that could be easily manufactured on
a large scale. To conserve scarce metals
needed for combat aircraft, Beech built the
airframe out of plywood with only the engine
cowlings and cockpit enclosure constructed
of aluminum. The fuel tanks also were made
of wood and covered with neoprene, a
synthetic rubber. The extensive use of wood
permitted Beech to subcontract the
production of many components to furniture
makers and other firms. The AT-10 had
superior performance among twin engine
trainers of its type, and over half of the
U.S. Army Air Force's pilots received
transitional training from single- to
multi-engine aircraft in them.
Between 1941 and 1943, Beech built 1,771 AT-10s and Globe Aircraft Corp. (which became Temco after World War II) built 600 in Dallas, Texas. The museum placed this AT-10 on display in June 1997. |
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