Beech AT-11 "Kansan" - 1941-1945
Type: Twin Engine Trainer
Weight: 9,300 lbs
Armament: Two - .30 caliber machine guns used as gunnery trainer
Engine: Two Pratt and Whitney R985 Radials, 450 hp each
Max Speed: 215 mph
Range: 745 miles
Service Ceiling: 20,000 ft.
Crew: 2-3
Number Built: 1,582
The AT11 was the standard twin engine trainer for thousands of navigators, pilots and bombardiers during World War II and Korea. The proficiency standard of 22% hit accuracy was required for student bombardiers dropping 100 lb sand filled practice bombs using the Norden Bombsight. In 1941, the AT-11 cost $67,000.
Three were assigned to 122nd Bomb Squadron as advance trainers for pilots transitioning from single to multiengine aircraft Douglas A-26.
In 1995 this plane was found at Beale Air Force Base in California and restored by members of 122nd Restoration Group in 1998.
This aircraft (SN: 44951) is on loan from the United States Air Force Museum. Object ID# 666346