The Unfulfilled Promise of the Fairchild T-46

The modernized trainer developed for the U.S. Air Force in the 1980s was meant to replace the aging fleet of Cessna T-37 ’Tweets.’

Jason McDowell

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11:48 AM ET

Verified

Essentially a modernized T-37 with pressurization, the Fairchild T-46 was positioned for success until its ultimate cancellation. [Courtesy: Edwards Air Force Base History Office]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force initiated the T-46 program in 1981 to replace its aging T-37 primary trainer, selecting Fairchild's design for a modern aircraft with improved range, fuel efficiency, power, and avionics.
During development and flight testing, the T-46 prototypes experienced significant technical difficulties, including excessive drag, inadequate stall warnings, flight control issues, and a substantial weight increase.
The T-46 program was ultimately canceled in March 1987, primarily due to these persistent technical problems, Fairchild's internal financial struggles, and Congressional pressure for defense budget cuts.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Since its introduction in 1957, the trusty Cessna T-37 “Tweet” had served the U.S. Air Force well.

It fulfilled primary trainer duties for more than 20 years and was modified to serve as a light ground attack aircraft in the form of the A-37 Dragonfly. However, as the 1980s approached, so did the end of the T-37’s projected life cycle, and military leaders determined a more modern replacement was needed.