T-34A/B Mentor

History

Courtesy USAF

The T-34A was used by the USAF for primary flight training during the 1950s. The original Mentor, a Beechcraft Model 45 derived from the famous Beechcraft Bonanza, was first flown in December 1948. The first military prototype, designated YT-34 by the USAF, made its initial flight in May 1950.

After extensive testing the USAF ordered the Mentor into production as the T-34A in early 1953. The first production T-34A was delivered to Edwards AFB in October 1953 for evaluation, and deliveries to the Air Training Command began in 1954.

The T-34A served as the standard primary trainer until the USAF introduced the Cessna T-37 jet trainer in the late 1950s. As they were replaced by the T-37, many T-34s were turned over to base Aero Clubs. In all, 450 T-34As were produced for the USAF. Three hundred fifty were built in the U.S.A. and 100 more were produced in Canada under license. In addition, two U.S. Navy versions of the Mentor were produced: the T-34B and the turboprop-powered T-34C. The Mentor also was built for the military forces of at least 10 friendly foreign nations.

The Kit

Our kit was designed by David Collins, and builds either the A or B model Mentor. (The only visible difference between models is the prop: two blades for A models, three blades for B models.) It includes laser-cut balsa and ply parts, plus vacuum-formed canopy, and cowl. Full size plans, a photo-illustrated instruction manual, and color decals for the US Navy version are also included.

Here's a prototype of the kit as built by Tom Jacoby. The paint scheme is done in the markings of the Chilean Air Force, one of the many foreign nations to operate the T-34. (You can download the Chilean markings below.)

To complete this model, you will need 1/16 balsa sheet, 1/4 balsa triangle stock, 3/16 x 3/8 strip, hardware and covering materials.

Specifications

• Span: 33-1/4"
• Wing Area: 166-1/2 sq in
• AUW: 16 - 18 oz
• Power: BP 21 Brushless CD-ROM Motor

Flight Report

David stated that "this bird is fast, smooth, and manueverable - not for the low time pilot but no bad habits either." This model was originally designed for Speed-400 power. The brushless CD-ROM motor provides a nice boost in performance!

More Info

There are many great documentation resources for the T-34 on the Web. Here are three of the best:

• Aircraft Resource Center Walk-Around
• Warbird Gallery
• T-34 Association, Inc.

To order this kit, please go to the Kits page.

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