Cessna A-37 Dragonfly
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 1 October 1964 |
| Year of introduction | 1967 |
| Number produced | 577 units |
Description
The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly is a military aircraft that was developed by Cessna in the late 1960s for the United States Air Force (USAF). It was primarily designed as a light attack aircraft and close air support platform. The Dragonfly was derived from the civilian T-37 Tweet trainer aircraft, with modifications made to accommodate its combat capabilities. Its low-cost design and versatility enabled it to be effectively deployed in various missions, including counter-insurgency, forward air control, and interdiction. The A-37 was used extensively by the USAF during the Vietnam War and continued to serve in the air forces of several countries around the world for a considerable period after its initial introduction.
Technical specifications
| Version: A-37B | |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 816 km/h (507 mph) |
| Wing area | 17.1 m² (184.0 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 10.9 m (35.9 ft) |
| Height | 2.7 m (8.9 ft) |
| Length | 8.6 m (28.3 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 12730 m (41765 ft) |
| Empty weight | 2817 kg (6210 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6350 kg (13999 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 35.5 m/s (116.5 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets General Electric J85-GE-17A delivering 1293 kgp |
| Ejection seat | Weber M2F2 |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peru | 20 | |
|
Colombia | 14 | |
|
El Salvador | 13 | |
|
Honduras | 9 | |
|
Uruguay | 7 | |
|
Guatemala | 3 | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.
All operators
Chile • Colombia • Dominican Republic • Ecuador • Guatemala • Honduras • South Korea • Peru • El Salvador • Thailand • Uruguay • United States • Vietnam
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Air Short-Range Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder
Bombs payload:
- Pod Cluster Aerojet SUU-14/A
- Low-Drag Mk 82
Photo of A-37 Dragonfly
