T-34C Turbo Mentor ARF 46 EP-GP

The T-34 Mentor began as a private venture designed by Walter Beech shortly after WW II. It was developed starting from the Bonanza.

The first two prototypes were powered by 205 HP Continental engines while the third had a more powerful 225 horsepower engine. The prototype made its first flight Dec. 2, 1948. The aircraft were then shown to the Air Force which ordered three military test aircraft under the designation YT-34. It wasn't until late 1952 the Air Force ordered the YT-34 into production under the designation T-34.

The T-34 spent a quarter of a century in use as a pilot trainer. The first of 350 aircraft were delivered to the Air Force in 1953 with the Navy receiving its first of 423 aircraft in 1954.

The T-34 design was rugged and reliable and best of all it was all metal construction. Many trainers as late as WW II were not. The T-34 also had many parts in common with different models of the Beech Bonanza and Debonair. Replacement parts were readily available and kept costs down.

Both the Air Force and the Navy found it to be an excellent aircraft. Particularly for the intermediate phase of training before going to jet aircraft.

In 1973, some T-34s received turboprop engines with about twice the power of the piston engine. This model, the T-34B, was used both as a trainer and light attack aircraft. The U.S. Navy and some Latin American countries are still using the turboprop version today

The model

VQ Model has chosen to reproduce the version of the U.S. Navy which features vivid colors. The T-34 Mentor VQ Model is a particularly realistic lowing semi-scale airplane. The  kit comes as ARF version with many details such as all structural  details (rivets, hatches, etc.) printed on vinyl covering film, radio  antenna, pilot or flaps. A kit for the construction of some cockpit details is included. Furtehr, electric retracts optional can be installed.

General characteristics

- Built-up balsa and lite ply construction fuselage covered with   printed PVC film with all scale details. Removable big hatch at the top of the fuse, attachment screws and dowels already installed at the factory.

- Transparent PVC canopy, arches painted. Canopy already installed on the fuselage.

• - Realistic mylitary pilot bust installed inside the cockpit.
• - Molded vinylester fiberglass engine cowl, painted.
• - All built-up balsa and fine ply construction wings, ready   covered with printed PVC film with all scale details. Ailerons and flaps ready. 2 parts wings for easy transport and storage. Alu tube wing joiner.
• - Empennages all built-up balsa construction covered with printed PVC film with all scale details.

• - Adjustable engine mount (IC) and wood (EP).
• - Hardware package including: control horns, tank, wheels, controls linkage, tricycle fixed gear, main gear covers, spinner, various fairings, screws, etc.
• - Stickers.

 - Instruction manual.

 Not included

Engine, servos, fuel line, glue, retracts, led