After WWII, the US military recognized a need for a cost effective 'higher performance' aircraft capable of good speed and maneuverability with gentle flight characteristics to train new pilots. Funding was scarce, so the U.S. military turned to Beechcraft Aviation to modify their successful Bonanza into a tandem seat military trainer. The resulting Mentor proved to be a very successful design which was ultimately used by the United States Air Force and the United States Navy. The T-34 A/B Mentor series ceased production in 1959. Now retired from US military, many examples of this successful design can still be seen in flight today under private ownership.
This new release of the U.S. Navy T-34B includes a clear stand and unique markings for a striking US Navy Mentor and choice of markings for two T-34B aircraft in U.S. Navy service.