Beechcraft AT-10 Wichita

Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1941 · light aircraft

The Beechcraft AT-10 Wichita was a twin-engine advanced trainer used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II to transition pilots to multi-engine aircraft. Unusually, it was built primarily of wood to conserve aluminum for combat aircraft.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Twin-engine low-wing multi-engine trainer
• All-wooden construction to conserve strategic metals
• Retractable undercarriage for advanced training

Identified by its twin-engine low-wing layout, retractable gear, and the notably clean lines unusual for a wooden aircraft; its narrow fuselage and conventional tail distinguish it from the heavier Beech 18.

Specifications

• The Beechcraft AT-10 Wichita has a length of 10.46 m (34 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 13.41 m (44 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 319 km/h (198 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Beechcraft and Globe Aircraft Corporation both produced the AT-10 from 1941 to 1944, with over 2,300 aircraft built. It provided essential multi-engine training as the USAAF expanded rapidly during the war years. The wooden construction proved serviceable despite initial concerns.

Variants

Production differed slightly between Beechcraft and Globe-built examples, but there were no major distinct variants.

Where you'll see it

The AT-10 served exclusively with the USAAF training command in the continental United States during World War II and was retired shortly after the war ended.

Related aircraft

• Beechcraft GB-1
• Beechcraft JB-1 Traveller
• Beechcraft JRB-1 Voyager
• Beechcraft GB-2
• Aeronca L-3
• Airspeed AS.45 Cambridge
• Antonov A-7
• Arado Ar 231

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.