T-43A
Mission
The T-43A is a medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft equipped with modern navigation and communications equipment to train navigators for strategic and tactical aircraft.
Features
The T-43A is the Air Force version of the Boeing 737 transport. One jet engine is mounted under each wing. The exterior differences between the military and commercial aircraft include many small blade-type antennas, sextant ports, a wire antenna for a high-frequency radio and fewer windows.
Inside each T-43A training compartment are two minimum proficiency, two maximum proficiency and 12 student stations. Two stations form a console and instructors can move their seats to the consoles and sit beside students for individual instruction.
The large cabin allows easy access to seating and storage, yet reduces the distance between student stations and instructor positions.
The student-training compartment is equipped with advanced avionics gear identical to Air Force operational aircraft. The equipment includes mapping radar, very high frequency omnidirectional range and tactical air navigation radio systems; inertial navigation systems; radar altimeter and all required communication equipment.
Five periscopic sextants spaced along the length of the training compartment are used for celestial navigation training.
Background
The T-43A is used for navigator training at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, where the Air Force also trains Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Navy, Marine and international students.
The first T-43A was delivered to the Air Force at Mather AFB, Calif., in September 1973, and the last deliveries were made in July 1974.
Air Education and Training Command's T-43 fleet relocated to Randolph AFB, Texas, in May, 1993, following the closure of Mather AFB.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Navigator trainer
Builder: Boeing Co.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A engines
Thrust: 14,500 pounds each engine
Length: 100 feet (30.3 meters)
Height: 37 feet (11.2 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 115,000 pounds (67,500 kilograms)
Wingspan: 93 feet (28.2 meters)
Speed: 535 mph (Mach 0.72) at 35,000 feet
Ceiling: 37,000 feet (11,212 meters)
Range: 2,995 miles (2,604 nautical miles)
Armament: None
Crew: 12 navigator students, six instructor navigators, pilot and co-pilot
Date Deployed: September 1973
Unit Cost: $5,390,000
Inventory: Active force, 11; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0
Point of Contact
Air Education and Training Command, Public Affairs Office; 100 H Street, Suite 3; Randolph AFB, Texas 78150-4330; DSN 487-3946 or (210) 652-3946.
March 2003
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