T-43A

USAF photo by TSgt. Fernando Serna

Mission
The T-43A is a medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft.  Equipped with modern navigation and communicatiions equipment to train navigators for strategic and tactical aircraft, the T-43A is primarily used in the Air Force's undergraduate navigator training program.  Several T-43s are configured for passengers and provide operational support to assigned commands and the Air Force National Guard.

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)
Wingspan: 93 feet (28.2 meters)
Speed: 535 miles per hour (Mach 0.72) at 35,000 feet
Ceiling: 37,000 feet (11,212 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 115,000 pounds (67,500 kilograms)
Armament: None
Range: 2,995 miles (2,604 nautical miles)
Unit Cost: $5,390,000
Crew: Twenty (twelve navigator students, six instructor navigators, pilot, and co-pilot)
Date Deployed: September 1973
Inventory: Active force = 13; National Guard = 2; Reserve = 0

ALL INFORMATION IS FROM THE U.S. AIR FORCE WEBSITE