The Cessna T-37/A-37, known in various forms as the Tweety Bird, Tweet, Dragonfly, or Super Tweet, is one of the most prominent of the trainer-attack type aircraft. This small, economical dual-engine jet aircraft flew for decades as a primary trainer for the United States Air Force, and served with distinction in an attack role during the Vietnam War. The T-37/A-37 has also provided a wide range of service in the air forces of other nations.[citation needed]
Fifty-two years after its first flight, the T-37 is still serving the U.S. military, giving the United States Air Force-trained primary pilot training students the necessary experience needed before moving on to the Northrop T-38 Talon, Beech T-1A Jayhawk, Bell UH-1F Huey, United States Navy Beech T-44 Pegasus, or other advanced Navy, Marine Corps or Allied trainers. Over 1,000 Cessna T-37s were built, with more than 100 still serving in the United States Air Force.
About the T-38 Talon
The Northrop T-38 Talon is a widely used US-built supersonic jet trainer. It was the world’s first, and most produced supersonic trainer. It remains in service as of 2007 in Air Forces throughout the world including the USAF, which remains its largest user.
It is considered to have an exceptional safety record for a supersonic jet. The basic airframe was used for the light combat aircraft F-5 Freedom Fighter family. In addition to USAF pilots, T-38s are also used by NASA astronauts, other NATO pilots under a joint training program, and some under civilian ownership.
