Boeing T-43A
Boeing · United States · first flew 1973 · transport aircraft
The Boeing T-43A is the USAF designation for a modified Boeing 737-200 configured as a navigator and combat systems officer trainer, fitted with numerous navigation stations and additional avionics. It replaced the T-29 in the USAF navigator training role.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Extra portholes and navigator station windows along the fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- USAF navigator training version of the Boeing 737-200
- Extra portholes and navigator station windows along the fuselage
- Short narrow-body airliner configuration with JT8D underwing turbofans
Externally similar to a short Boeing 737-200 with additional small portholes along the fuselage sides; USAF livery and the absence of passenger doors in standard airline positions are the key distinguishing features.
Specifications
- The Boeing T-43A has a length of 30.53 m (100 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 28.35 m (93 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 927 km/h (576 mph).
- Typical crew: 3+12 students.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Nineteen T-43As were delivered to the USAF from 1973, based at Mather Air Force Base, California, and later at Randolph AFB, Texas. The aircraft were configured with twelve student navigator stations and provided training on celestial, radar, and inertial navigation. Several were lost to accidents including a 1996 crash near Dubrovnik that killed US Commerce Secretary Ron Brown.
Variants
The CT-43A was a VIP transport conversion of some T-43A airframes; no commercial variants were produced specifically for this role.
Where you'll see it
Served with the USAF for navigator training from 1973 until 2010; CT-43A variants performed VIP transport duties.
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