Fairchild Republic T-46

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The Fairchild Republic T-46 (nicknamed the 'Eaglet') was a light jet trainer aircraft of the 1980s that was cancelled, with only three aircraft being produced. The plane was the winner of the US air forces competition to build the Next Generation Trainer ('NGT') program to replace the Cessna T-37. The aircraft first flew in 1985 but was cancelled a year later, for reasons that largely remain controversial.

The T-46 was the last project of the Farchild Republic corporation and after the program termination it had no more income. Without any new contracts and the NGT program cancelled, the company closed the Republic factory in New York State and its involment with aerospace largely ended.

The aircraft itself featured a side by side configuration, twin-tail, ejection seats, pressurization, and two turbofan engines. Had it gone into full production the NGT program called for over 600 aircraft being built up to 1993. There was potential for some overseas sales as well, such as in the light ground attack role in addition to being a trainer.

A remaining T-46 can be seen at the Air Force Flight Test Center Museum at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Specifications

Type: Fairchild Republic T-46A

Role: Two-seat side-by-side primary and basic trainer

Powerplant:

Twin 1,326 lbf (5.9 kN) Garrett F109-GA-100 two-shaft turbofans

Fuel capacity: Internal fuel capacity: 572 kg Performance:

Maximum speed: 736 km/h at 7,620 m
Maximum cruise speed: 712 km/h at 10,670 m
Economic cruise speed: 616 km/h at 13,720 m
Maximum initial rate of climb: 22.7 m/s
Service ceiling: 14,175 m
Ferry range: 2,130 km
Wing loading at maximum take-off weight: 207 kg/m²
Thrust-to-weight ratio at maximum take-off weight: 0.39
Take-off distance: 366 m
landing distance: 343 m

Dimensions:

Wingspan: 11.78 m
Length: 8.99 m
Height: 3.86 m
Wing area: 14.95 m²
Aspect ratio: 9.3

Weights:

Empty weight: 2,351 kg
Maximum take-off weight: 3,092 kg

Aircraft Serial Numbers

84-0492 /84-0493
85-1596 / 85-1605
85-1597 / 85-1605

External links

[Global Security Article on the T-46]

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