Air Power

CESSNA YA-37A "Dragonfly"

The YA-37A was modified from the standard T-37B primary trainer to evaluate the design as a counter-insurgency (COIN) attack/reconnaissance aircraft. First flown in September 1963, the airplane underwent performance and systems evaluation testing during 1964 at Edwards AFB, California, and Eglin AFB, Florida.

Much valuable information was obtained from these tests with regard to future design requirements for COIN aircraft. One of the aircraft's remarkable features was its ability to carry out a mission with only one engine still operating.

The aircraft pictured, one of two YAT-37Ds, was retired to the U.S. Air Force Museum in December 1964. However, it was recalled to active service in August 1966 for final design testing of the A-37 attack aircraft, urgently needed for close air support of ground forces in Southeast Asia.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 35 ft. 10 in.
Length: 29 ft. 4 in.
Height: 8 ft. 2 in.
Weight: 11,700 lbs. max.
Armament: Max. of 3,000 lbs. including one GAU-2/A 7.62mm "Gatling" gun, plus additional gun pods, high-explosive bombs, fire bombs, rockets, grenades, and/or missiles
Engines: Two General Electric J85s of 2,400 lbs. thrust each
Cost: $161,000

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 485 mph.
Cruising speed: 425 mph.
Range: 270 miles with 3,000 lb. load
Service Ceiling: 36,000 ft.