The T-34 Mentor is a military trainer aircraft produced by Beechcraft. In 1948, Beech started its production of the T-34 Mentor in response to their highly successful Model 35 Bonanza. The Model 45 first flew on December 2 1948, by Beechcraft test pilot Vern Carstens.
In 1950, the U.S Air Force ordered three Model A45T test aircraft, which were given the military designation YT-34. It was not adopted as a training aircraft by the United States Air Force until 1954. Shortly after the USAF purchased 350 T-34 Mentor’s, the U.S. Navy also bought 423 from Beech. The first version of the Mentor, T-34A, used a Continental O-470-13 flat six engine production 225 hp, allowing the airplane to max out at 188 mph. Over the next 20 years, very few modifications were made. Only a more powerful engine and expanded four seat versions were developed.
Early model Mentors were also license-built in foreign countries, including Canada, Japan, and Argentina. Japan is still building a much-modernized turbine-powered version of the original Mentor design. There are about 200 Mentors in civilian hands in the United States. Most of these are retired veterans of either the Air Force or Navy, but some have been imported from countries which acquired their Mentors from Japan, or from the US Military Assistance program. The T-34 has become one of the most sought-after civilian warbirds because of it’s relatively economical operation and it’s fine flying qualities.
Specifications (T-34 A/B Mentor)
Type: Trainer aircraft Wingspan: 32 feet 8 inches Length: 25 feet 9 inches Height: 9 feet 6 inches Empty Weight: 2,250 pounds Maximum Weight: 2,950 pounds Powerplant: Continental IO-520 285hp Maximum Speed: 214 knots Cruise Speed: 165 knots Service Ceiling: 20,000 ft Range: 540 miles
