Trigger Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Today in 1957: The USAF received its first five Cessna T-37 trainers. 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 T-37B on display was flown to the museum on Oct. 8, 1991. TECHNICAL NOTES: Maximum speed: 410 mph Range: 650 miles Service ceiling: 35,000 ft. Engines: Two Continental J69-T-25s of 1,025 lbs. thrust each Span: 33 ft. 10 in. Length: 29 ft. 4 in. Height: 9 ft. 5 in. Weight: 6,580 lbs. maximum Quote Link to post Share on other sites
2qwik4u Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I remember seeing a formation of A-37's at my very first airshow back in 1990. It was right before the MIANG switched over to the A-10. I've always wanted to build one in those markings, but it seems that the A/T-37 is one of those airframes that has not received much love from the AM decal world. -Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scotthldr Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 (edited) 62 years old and we still haven't got one in 1/48 :bandhead2:/>/> Edited January 22, 2016 by scotthldr Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scotthldr Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 (edited) Double post Edited January 22, 2016 by scotthldr Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Trigger Posted January 22, 2016 Author Share Posted January 22, 2016 62 years old and we still haven't got one in 1/48 :bandhead2:/>/>/> Not to mention the tens of thousands of pilots who trained on it... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cajun21 Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 All hail the mighty Tweet! Itch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Murph Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 The Mighty Tweet has not retired, it has simply gone to Avalon where it bides its time till it is needed again. Regards, Murph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sentry30 Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I wonder how many pilots got permanent ear damage because of this non pressurized jet B)/> D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fulcrum1 Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 (edited) I don't know as of now, but a few years ago they were still using some version of the tweet and AC-47's down in Columbia. Edited January 22, 2016 by fulcrum1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Exhausted Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I saw these as late as 2001, when I was going to high school in Friendswood, TX. I was nearby Ellington Field, near LBJ Space Center, and I saw a lot of interesting 'wild life.' I saw the WB-57s fly, as well as our favorite beluga lookalike, the Guppy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Murph Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I wonder how many pilots got permanent ear damage because of this non pressurized jet B)/>/> D The two individuals I worked with that were Mighty Tweet FAIPs were both using hearing aids in their 50's. Regards, Murph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jennings Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 All hail :worship:/> the mighty Tweet! We're not worthy!! :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
model junky Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 An old friend now retired used to say about the Tweet: "The only aircraft in U.S. Air Force inventory where you could pee in the cockpit while standing on the ground." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wayfarer 30 Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 An old friend now retired used to say about the Tweet: "The only aircraft in U.S. Air Force inventory where you could pee in the cockpit while standing on the ground." That is hilarious. Hail to the tweet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
niki4703 Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 "The most important date in aviation history"... :lol: :lol: :lol: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Slartibartfast Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 To quote ELO, "I just can't get it out of my head" that the Tweet would make a decent civvy aircraft. Two engines so you can fly it to the scene of the crash and they're small so specific fuel consumption shouldn't be too bad. Just have to wonder how difficult it would be to eradicate the vomit smell. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sentry30 Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 "The only aircraft in U.S. Air Force inventory where you could pee in the cockpit while standing on the ground." :rofl:/> Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alan in Yorktown Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 (edited) I lived under the Tweet pattern for Randolph when stationed in San Antonio. We used to say that the Tweet was the most efficient aircraft in the inventory for converting jet fuel to noise. Edited January 24, 2016 by Alan in Yorktown Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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