attack
two
GE J85 turbojets
2 x 2,855 lbs. ea.
6,200 lbs.
15,000 lbs.
1- 7.62 mm
32' 1"
38' 5"
480 mph
7,000 fpm
42,000 feet
950 miles
10/14/64
1967
The A-37, sometimes called the dragonfly, built by Cessna, started life as a 34"
longer version of their T-37 Trainer. Other modifications included more powerful engines and beefed up wings to accommodate additional fuel
capacity tip tanks, and wing pylons. In time a machine gun was added to the aircraft along with upgraded avionics, a beefed up air frame, and
heavy duty landing gear. The end result was a relatively low cost utility observation and light attack aircraft that was well suited to
its role and well liked by its crews. The aircraft engines produce a loud whining sound, earning it the nickname “super tweet.”
The A-37 distinguished itself in Vietnam, particularly in the roles of ground support and helicopter escort. The aircraft could
carry rockets, a wide variety of bombs, and 1,500 rounds of ammunition for its machine gun. The A-37 Dragonfly flew thousands of missions without losing a single aircraft in combat.
The A-37 was exported to a number of countries around the world and some are still flying to this date. Over 600 A-37 aircraft were produced.
Sung Kim, Henry Nguyen and their A-37.
Pictured above and below is the spectacular A-37 built by Sung Kim and Henry Nguyen. The wingspan is 138". Fuselage length is 115 1/2". It is powered by a pair of Jet Cat P120 turbines. We were unable to find out the weight.
The second and third pictures below are of the A-37 built by Walter Mansilla. Walter writes: "Greetings from Guatemala. In my country the A-37 is used in the
air force. For that reason I built one made from fiberglass with a 58" wing span and a 48" fuselage. There is a O.S. 46 engine up front. This is to prove the
concept of the design. The A-37 has retractable landing gear. It flys very well and doesn't have any bad characteristics. At this time I
am finishing one with O.S. 61 engines. The new project has more details. It is painted in the colors of the Attack Squadron. In the
pictures the airplane had not yet flown. The test flight was carried out four days later."
Thank you for telling us about your A-37, Walter. We look forward to hearing more about your project.
PST Jets, Thailand, says that they will soon have the A-37 for sale. It is shown in the last
picture on this page. Wingspan is 153" and length is 128". J1300 turbines are the recommended power.
Seitz2C posted three view drawings at RC Groups from which to build the A-37.
A member of the Offut Aero Club in Omaha has the A-37.
Tony Phang posted sketches of the A-37 to RCPowers.com.
If you know of any other A-37 we should put on this page, we would like to hear all about it from you. Please email us.
A-37
