T-41 Mescalero

The Cessna T-41 Mescalero is a military version of the Cessna 172, utilized as a pilot-training aircraft by the United States Air Force (USAF), U.S. Army, and several international air arms. In 1964, the USAF selected the commercial Cessna 172F as a lead-in trainer for student pilots, designating it the T-41A. The USAF ordered 237 T-41As, and the first training class began in August 1965 at Big Spring, Texas. Subsequent versions, including the T-41B, C, and D, were built using the type certificate of the Cessna 175 Skylark and were powered by Continental IO-360 engines. Total production included 230 T-41As, 255 T-41Bs, 52 T-41Cs, and 299 T-41Ds.

Design

The T-41A is a single-engine piston aircraft powered by a 145 hp Continental O-300 engine with a fixed-pitch propeller. The T-41B, C, and D variants use a 210 hp Continental IO-360 engine. The T-41B and T-41D feature 28V electrical systems and constant-speed propellers, while the T-41C uses a 14V system and a fixed-pitch climb propeller. Specific military modifications for the T-41B include jettisonable doors and a 6.00x6 nose wheel tire. The T-41D is equipped with upgraded avionics, corrosion-proofing, and reinforced flaps and ailerons. The T-41D also includes provisions for wing-mounted pylons to carry external stores.

Operational History

The USAF used the T-41 for flight screening and undergraduate pilot training until 1993, when it began replacing the fleet with the Slingsby T-3A Firefly. Most USAF T-41s were withdrawn by 1995, though four aircraft remained at the USAF Academy for the flying team and academic classes. The U.S. Army operated 255 T-41B aircraft. Export customers include the Philippine Air Force, which received its first T-41Ds in 1968, and the Turkish Air Force and Land Forces, which operated a combined 55 T-41Ds. Other operators have included Colombia (30 T-41Ds), Greece (21 T-41Ds), and the Khmer Republic (22 T-41Ds).

Variants

• T-41A: USAF version of the Cessna 172F, G, and H used for undergraduate pilot training and powered by a 145 hp engine.
• T-41B: U.S. Army version powered by a 210 hp Continental IO-360-D engine driving a constant-speed propeller.
• T-41C: USAF Academy variant featuring a 210 hp engine, fixed-pitch climb propeller, and a two-seat cabin configuration.
• T-41D: Military Aid Program version equipped with 28V electrical systems, reinforced control surfaces, and wing-mounted pylon provisions.