Beech AT-10 Wichita

Published April 20, 2015

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DAYTON, Ohio -- Beech AT-10 Wichita at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- Beech AT-10 Wichita at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- Beech AT-10 Wichita at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- Beech AT-10 Wichita at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- Beech AT-10 Wichita on display in the WWII Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) Exhibit in the WWII Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- Beech AT-10 Wichita in the World War II Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- Beech AT-10 cockpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Engine: Two Lycoming R-680-9 radials of 295 hp each
Maximum speed: 190 mph
Range: 660 miles
Ceiling: 20,000 ft.
Span: 44 ft.
Length: 34 ft. 4 in.
Height: 10 ft. 4 in.
Weight: 6,465 lbs.

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Beech AT-10 Wichita

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