Cessna T-41 Mescalero

History of the Cessna T-41 Mescalero

Due to the complexity of jet training, the US Air Force uses the high-wing Cessna 172 as its base trainer. Introduced in 1964 as the T-41 "Mescalero" (Mescalero stands for Apache Tribe), the Type 172 retains all the form and function of its civilian market product. Over 750 copies of this type were delivered. The U.S.

Army also adopted the aircraft in a slightly different form, albeit in significant numbers.

The USAF models were the original T-41A models, which were a version of Cessna's Model 172F offering with a 145 hp Continental O-300 engine. A total of 211 such samples were procured.

The US Army form became the T-41B variant, based on the R172E model and equipped with a 210 hp Continental IO-360 engine. 211 examples followed. This resulted in a USAF variant, designated the T-41C, which was powered by the same engine as the Army T-41B.

The Mescalero series came in export form as the T-41D was delivered with the Continental IO-360 engine. At least 238 of them have been delivered. Customers who ditched the T-41D but needed service with this aircraft would simply buy a basic Cessna Model 172 and squeeze it into a military role, while retaining the original Lycoming O-320 engine.

As it turns out, Mescalero has many operators, from Angola and Argentina to Turkey and Uruguay. Some are still working even today (2015), although their numbers have declined significantly over the past few decades.

During its airborne service, the T-41 served in training, liaison and light transport missions.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes