Page 25 - July 2023

9 17 When World War II ended 30
with the unconditional surrender of Japan in September 1945, the
United States Army Air Forces and the U.S. Navy continued to train cadets in the Boeing-Stearman PT-13 and N2S biplanes, respectively, before progressing to advanced trainers such as the North American AT-6 “Texan” and SNJ monoplanes. Although the AT-6 and SNJ were well suited to the task, their thirsty, static, air-cooled radial engines gulped fuel and their airframes were aging fast. In 1948, Walter H. Beech and his engineers realized there was an opportunity to replace the venerable AT-6/SNJ with a modern and cost- effective airplane that could do the work of both a primary and basic trainer.
A series of design studies commenced that year. Fortunately, a significant amount of time and development costs were reduced by using the Model 35 Bonanza airframe as a foundation for the new Beechcraft. The Model 35’s airframe and Continental engine had established a record of dependability since the airplane’s certification in 1947.
Although there is evidence that the design studies did include incorporating a V-tail on the Model 45, it was rejected in favor of a conventional vertical stabilizer that was more suitable for a military trainer. Overall, the Model 45’s dimensions were similar to those of the Bonanza, but the Mentor featured a narrow fuselage and tandem seating for an instructor and student pilot. In addition, a Plexiglas, three-piece sliding
JULY 2023
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 23
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Main wheel & brake/ Rodas e freios principais
Kit P/N 199-90
Together, we can support all your King Air braking needs, one landing at a time.
Juntos podemos apoiar todas as suas necessidades de freio King Air, um pouso de cada vez.
The following King Air 90 models are now certified under European approval EASA #10039114 and Brazilian approval ANAC #9210-04:
Os seguintes modelos King Air 90 são agora certificados sob aprovação europeia EASA No10039114 e aprovação brasileira ANAC No9210-04:
• 65-90 • B90 • C90-1 • C90B • C90GTi • 65-A90 • C90 • C90A • C90GT • C90GTx
1-800-BRAKING (1-800-272-5464) Visit our website to see our full list of King Air conversion kits and more
www.kaman.com/cleveland www.clevelandwheelsandbrakes.com