Beechcraft XT-36

The XT-36 was intended for use in both trainer and transport roles. It utilised a low-wing design, with twin Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines providing power; the design specified a pressurized cabin, capable of carrying either an instructor and three students in the training role, or two crewmembers and up to twelve passengers in a transport configuration.[1] Top speed was expected to be around 350 miles per hour (560 km/h) at over 30,000 feet (9,100 m).[2] The aircraft was intended to become a standard United States Air Force type,[2] as well as licensed production being set up by Canadair as the CL-15.[3][4]

The project was started in 1951, with the rising demand for new aircrew due to the Korean War, Beechcraft was awarded a contract for the construction of the type, and built a new assembly plant for the production line.[5] Orders totaled 193 aircraft; Canadair was contracted for 227 examples. However, in 1953, shortly before the first flight of the prototype was to occur,[6] changing priorities resulted in the cancellation of the program.[7]

XT-36A

Military designation for Beech Model 46 trainer for the USAF; prototype completed but not flown.

CL-15

Licensed production by Canadair.

Data from The Beechcraft T-36[2]

General characteristics

• Crew: two to four
• Capacity: 12 passengers
• Wingspan: 70 ft (21 m)
• Gross weight: 25,000 lb (11,340 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial piston engines, 2,300 hp (1,700 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 350 mph (560 km/h, 300 kn)
• Cruise speed: 300 mph (480 km/h, 260 kn)
• Range: 650 mi (1,050 km, 560 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 34,000 ft (10,000 m)

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• T-7 Navigator
• T-29 Flying Classroom

Related lists

• List of military aircraft of the United States

Notes

Bibliography