Following World War II, US Air Force navigators and bombardiers trained on flight instrument use in T-29s. Each trainer aircraft contained sixteen stations for airborne instruction, to include access to a map table, equipment used for long-range navigation, altimeters, a radio compass panel, and other essential instruments. While in the air, students learned procedures for dead reckoning, radio, radar, as well as low-level and over-water navigation techniques. Consequently, the T-29 quickly earned the apt nickname the Flying Classroom.
This T-29C began its service in 1954 and performed as an aerial classroom for navigator training at Air Force Bases in Texas, California, and Colorado. In February 1975, the US Air Force removed this plane from its active inventory and sent it to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, for storage. The US Air Force History and Museum Program then acquired the aircraft and assigned it to Hill Aerospace Museum for display.
Serial Number: 52-1119
Manufacturer: Convair
Primary Function: Navigation Trainer
Crew: Two to four
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-99W radials; 2,500 hp each
Wingspan: 91 ft 9 in
Length: 74 ft 8 in
Height: 27 ft 3 in
Weight: 29,248 lbs.; Maximum Takeoff Weight: 47,000 lbs
Speed: Maximum: 300 mph; Cruising Speed 270 mph
Range: 1,800 miles
Service Ceiling: 30,000 ft
Armament: None
Payload: Up to 16 students and instructors
Years of Service: 1950– 1990
