The history of the T-34C Turbo Mentor dates back to the early 1950s, when the first T-34 – based on the civilian Beechcraft Bonanza – was developed as a less-expensive alternative to the T-6 Texan. More than 1,900 piston-powered T-34 Mentors were delivered by the late 1950s. In 1973, Beechcraft converted two T-34B Mentors – supplied by the Navy – into turboprop aircraft, using the Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engines. Mentor production started again in 1975, and continued until 1990. The T-34C Turbo Mentor is being phased out as a Navy trainer, being replaced by the T-6A Texan II.
This handcrafted model is painted in the same paint scheme as the original and is painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by our skilled craftsmen. Perfect as a gift for any aviation enthusiast and history buff!