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Beechcraft AT11
The Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan was a military training aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces and the Royal Air Force during and after World War II. It was a derivative of the Beechcraft Model 18, which was a versatile twin-engine aircraft commonly used for various purposes, including transport and training.
Here are some key details about the Beechcraft AT-11:
- Purpose: The AT-11 was primarily used as a military trainer aircraft for training pilots and navigators in multi-engine operations, including bombardier training. It was used to teach essential skills required for combat aircraft, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bombers.
- Design: The AT-11 was a twin-engine, low-wing monoplane with retractable landing gear. It featured a crew of three or four, depending on the specific training requirements.
- Powerplant: It was powered by two radial engines, typically the Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior or the Jacobs R-755. These engines provided the necessary power for training purposes.
- Production: Beechcraft produced a significant number of AT-11 Kansans during World War II, with production continuing into the immediate post-war years. The exact number produced varied, but it was in the thousands.
- Variants: There were several variants of the AT-11, including the AT-11A and the AT-11B. The AT-11B had modifications for bomb aiming and practice, allowing it to simulate bombing runs.
- Service: The AT-11 served as an essential training aircraft during World War II, helping train aircrews for the complex and demanding role of operating multi-engine bombers. It was used by both the United States Army Air Forces and the Royal Air Force.
After World War II, many surplus AT-11s were sold to civilian operators and were used for various purposes, including executive transport and cargo hauling. Some may still be in use today, though they are considered vintage aircraft.
The Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan played a crucial role in training the aircrews that operated the heavy bombers of World War II and contributed to the success of Allied air operations during the war.
