Statics

CURRENT DISPLAY AIRCRAFT:

T-28 Trojan

Specifications:

Status: Display

Wing Span: 40 feet, 1 inch
Length: 33 feet
Maximum Weight: Pending research
Performance: One1,425-hp Wright Cyclone R-1820-86 radial piston engine
Top Speed: 343 mph
Range: 1,060 miles
Ceiling: 35,500 feet
Rate of Climb: Pending research
Armament: Trainer-none

T-37B Tweety

Specifications:

Status: Display

Wing Span: 33 feet, 8 inches.
Length: 29 feet, 3 inches
Height: 9 feet, 2 inches
Maximum Weight: 6,625 lbs
Performance: Two continental J69-T-25 turbojet engines, thrust 1,025 lbs. each engine.
Top Speed: 360 mph
Range: 460 miles
Ceiling: 35,000 feet
Rate of Climb: Pending investigation.
Armament: None
Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Co.

Cold War Era:

Widely known as the "Tweety Bird" or "Tweet", the XT-37 prototype made its maiden flight on October 12, 1954.  The aircraft is first USAF jet conceived and designed originally as a jet trainer, rather than being modified from current jet designs to a trainer (as was the case of the F-80 becoming the T-33 trainer).  Its flight characteristics enabled student pilots to transition into the faster T-38 "Talon" in the latter stage of flight training.  With side-by-side seating, the T-37 allowed the instructor to observed and train the student pilot easily.  It was a universal trainer which facilitated training in the fundamentals of jet operations, instrumentation, and formation and night flying.

In 1959, the T-37B entered operational service.  It included more powerful engines, a redesigned instrument panel, and enhanced communications and navigational instruments.  Eventually, all "A" models were modified to the "B" model standard.

As an offshoot, the T-37C was modified with provisions for armament and extra fuel as an export model.  The T-37Bs and Cs serve the air forces of several countries. 
Approximately 1,300 T-37A, Bs, and Cs were manufactured before the last "Tweety Bird" rolled off the production line in the late 1970s.

Vietnam:

Additionally, nearly 600 A-37s (combat attack version of the T-37) were manufactured and served noticeably in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War with USAF and the South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF).

Distinguishing Sound:

The engines of the T-37B are very noticeable with its loud, high pitched whine during taxi.  Once heard, there can be no mistake--the sound is distinctly a "Tweety Bird".

UH-1 Mobile Huey