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T-37 Tweet
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Photo: Robert Deering 1980 Carswell AFB (FHW / AFW) Fort Worth, Texas |
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The T-37 is a
twin-engine primary trainer used for
teaching the fundamentals of jet aircraft
operation and for flying on instruments, in
formation and at night. Affectionately known
as the "Tweety Bird," it was the first U.S.
Air Force jet designed from conception as a
trainer. Its flying characteristics helped
student pilots prepare to transition to the
larger, faster T-38 Talon later in the pilot
training program. Side-by-side seating in
the T-37 made it easy for the instructor to
observe and communicate with the student.
The XT-37 prototype first flew in 1954, and the T-37A entered USAF service in 1957. In 1959 the T-37B entered service with more powerful engines, a redesigned instrument panel, and improved radio communications and navigational equipment. In time, all -As were modified to -B standards. The T-37C, with provisions for armament and extra fuel, was built for export. Both T-37Bs and -Cs serve the air forces of several Allied nations. In all, nearly 1,300 T-37As, -Bs and -Cs were built before production ended in the late 1970s. In addition, nearly 600 A-37s -- attack modifications of the T-37 -- were built.
The Air Force made several attempts to
replace the T-37 (including the Fairchild
T-46),
but it remained in service until it was
phased out in favor of the Beechcraft
T-6 Texan II between
2001 and 2009. The T-6 is a turboprop aircraft
with more power, better fuel
efficiency,
and more modern avionics than
the Tweet. |
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