View source for Cessna A-37 Dragonfly

{{Short description|American light attack aircraft developed from the T-37 Tweet basic trainer}}
{{redirect|A-37B|the 2020s Gulfstream-based electronic warfare aircraft|L3Harris EA-37B Compass Call}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2022}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= A-37 Dragonfly
 |image= File:OA-37B-1 (centered).jpg
 |caption= An OA-37B Dragonfly aircraft from the [[Illinois Air National Guard]] during Exercise GRANADERO I, 14 May 1984
 |type= Light [[ground-attack aircraft]]
 |national_origin= United States<!-- Please DON'T add those tiny flags, as they limit horizontal space (Read [WP:Manual of Style/Icons#Avoid flag icons in infoboxes]]). -->
 |manufacturer= [[Cessna]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= October 1964
 |introduction= 
 |retired=
 |status= Limited service in [[Central America]]n and [[South America]]n air forces
 |primary_user= [[United States Air Force]] <small>(historical)</small><!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on numbers in service. See Operators section for others. -->
 |more_users= [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] <small>(historical)</small><br>[[Chilean Air Force]] <small>(historical)</small><br>[[Peruvian Air Force]]<!-- This field is limited to only THREE (3) "more users". Please separate users with <br>.-->
 |produced= 1963–1975
 |number_built = 577<ref name="Gunston">Gunston, Bill. ''The Encyclopedia of Modern Warplanes''. New York: Blitz Editions, 1995. {{ISBN|1-85605-290-7}}</ref>
 |developed_from = [[Cessna T-37 Tweet]]
 |variants=
}}

The '''Cessna A-37 Dragonfly''', or '''Super Tweet''', is a jet-powered, light [[attack aircraft]] designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer [[Cessna]].

It was developed during the [[Vietnam War]] in response to military interest in new [[Counter-insurgency aircraft|counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft]] to replace aging types such as the [[Douglas A-1 Skyraider]]. A formal [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) evaluation of the [[Cessna T-37 Tweet|T-37 Tweet]] basic trainer for the COIN mission was conducted in late 1962, after which it was concluded that it could be modified to effectively perform the role. The attack-orientated A-37 was directly derived from the T-37, roughly doubling in both all-up weight and engine thrust to permit considerable quantities of munitions to be carried along with extended flight endurance and additional mission avionics. The prototype YAT-37D performed its [[maiden flight]] during October 1964.

While test results were positive, a production contract was not immediately forthcoming until an uptick in combat intensity and aircraft losses became apparent. An initial batch of 25 A-37As was deployed to Vietnam under the "Combat Dragon" evaluation program in August 1967, flying from [[Bien Hoa Air Base]] on various missions, including [[close air support]], [[helicopter]] escort, [[Forward air control|FAC]], and night [[Air interdiction|interdiction]]. The type proved itself to be effective in the theater, leading to the USAF issuing a contract to Cessna for an improved Super Tweet, designated the ''A-37B'', in early 1967. It was largely operated over South Vietnam, as well as in neighboring [[Laos]] and [[Cambodia]], typically flying close air support missions in coordination with US ground forces. The A-37 proved to be relatively low-maintenance, accurate, and suffered relatively few combat losses.

Following the end of the conflict, the USAF's A-37Bs were transferred from the [[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC) to TAC-gained units in the [[Air National Guard]] and [[Air Force Reserve]]. The type was assigned to the FAC (Forward Air Control) role and given the designation ''OA-37B''. The type were eventually phased out in the 1980s and 1990s, having been replaced in the FAC mission by the more formidable [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II]] in American service. Various international operators, many of which being [[South America]]n countries, also operated the A-37; it saw active use during the [[Salvadoran Civil War]]. Over 200 aircraft were also supplied to the [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] (RVNAF), and numerous A-37Bs were captured by North Vietnamese forces near the conflict's end.

==Design and development==
During the early 1960s, American military involvement in [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]] was growing, leading to strong interest from military officials in [[Counter-insurgency aircraft|counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft]].<ref name = "darling 17">Darling 2005, p. 17.</ref> Existing platforms such as the [[Douglas A-1 Skyraider]] were less than fully satisfactory, in part because younger pilots, having been trained and used to flying jet aircraft, had difficulties adapting to the A-1's increasingly uncommon features for a frontline combat aircraft, such as a [[radial engine]] and a [[Conventional landing gear|'taildragger' landing gear]] arrangement.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 44">Joiner 2009, p. 44.</ref> At the time, the [[Cessna T-37 Tweet]] was in widespread use by the military as a basic trainer aircraft.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 43">Joiner 2009, p. 43.</ref><ref name = "darling 9">Darling 2005, p. 9.</ref> In late 1962, the [[United States Air Force]]'s (USAF) Special Air Warfare Center at [[Eglin Air Force Base]]'s [[Hurlburt Field]] in [[Florida]] evaluated two T-37Cs for the mission.<ref name = "darling 19">Darling 2005, p. 19.</ref>

The USAF determined the T-37 to be a promising COIN aircraft and expressed its interest in a prospective improved version that would be able to carry a much larger payload along with greater [[combat endurance|endurance]] and better short-field performance.<ref name = "darling 20">Darling 2005, p. 20.</ref> These requirements meant the aircraft would have to be considerably heavier and thus necessitate the use of more powerful [[Jet engine|engines]]. As to account for the drastic increase in airframe weight along with the need to a significant payload as well, Cessna opted to double the aircraft's engine power by replacing its twin Continental J-69 engines with [[General Electric J85]]-J2/5 turbojet engines, each capable of generating up to {{cvt|2400|lbf|kN}} of thrust.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 44"/> During 1963, the USAF awarded a contract to Cessna to produce two prototype aircraft, designated ''YAT-37D''; these were essentially heavily modified T-37s.<ref name = "darling 20"/>

Specific alterations made for the YAT-37D included the adoption of strengthened wings, the use of larger wingtip fuel tanks of {{convert|360|L|USgal}} capacity, additional avionics suitable for battlefield communications, navigation, and targeting, toughened [[landing gear]] that were suitable for rough-field operation, and the fitting of a [[General Electric]]-supplied [[Minigun|GAU-2B/A]] {{cvt|7.62|mm|in}} "Minigun" Gatling-style machine gun capable of a rate of fire of 3,000 rounds/minute and 1,500 rounds of ammunition that was installed in the right side of the aircraft's nose behind a large access panel along with an accompanying [[gunsight]] and [[gun camera]]. Perhaps most importantly, three [[Hardpoint|stores pylons]] were installed on each wing that were compatible with a wide range of munitions.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 44"/><ref name = "darling 201">Darling 2005, pp. 20-21.</ref>

During October 1964, the first YAT-37D performed its [[maiden flight]], followed one year later by the second prototype. The second prototype was equipped with four stores pylons under each wing as opposed to three, the first prototype was subsequently upgraded to this configuration as well. Test results were good, however, the USAF's interest in counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft had decreased over time. The program went into limbo for a time, with the second prototype "put out to pasture" at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]] in [[Ohio]].

The conflict in [[Southeast Asia]] continued to escalate during the mid 1960s. Losses of [[Douglas A-1 Skyraider]] close-support aircraft in USAF, [[United States Navy]], and [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] service proved to be greater than anticipated, which led to a revival in the USAF's interest in COIN aircraft. The YAT-37D seemed like a promising candidate for the role, yet the USAF felt that the only means of being certain was to evaluate the aircraft in real world combat. At the time, this was a relatively unorthodox approach to military aircraft procurement.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 44"/> The USAF issued a contract to Cessna for a pre-production batch of 39 YAT-37Ds, opting for only a few minor changes relative to the prototypes, to be rebuilt from existing T-37Bs. These aircraft were initially designated ''AT-37D'', but the designation was quickly changed to ''A-37A''. The second prototype YAT-37D was pulled out of the USAF Museum and upgraded to A-37A standards as part of the test program.

The A-37A had a gross takeoff weight of {{cvt|12000|lb|kg}}, of which {{cvt|2700|lb|kg}} was ordnance. It was a relatively uncomplex aircraft, avoiding any advanced weapon systems or the need for a complex training program to operate.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 44"/> The A-37A retained the dual controls of its T-37B ancestor, allowing it to be used as an operational trainer. In combat "[[forward air control]] (FAC)" operations, the second seat was occupied by an observer. Only a single crewman normally flew in the aircraft for close support missions, which permitted a slight increase in ordnance.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 47"/>

==Operational history==

===Vietnam War===
In August 1967, 25 A-37As were deployed to Vietnam under the "Combat Dragon" evaluation program, and flew from [[Bien Hoa Air Base]] on USAF "air commando" missions, including [[close air support]], [[helicopter]] escort, [[Forward air control|FAC]], and night [[Air interdiction|interdiction]].<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 45"/> Combat loads included high-explosive bombs, [[Cluster bomb|cluster munition]] dispensers, unguided [[missile|rocket]] packs, [[napalm]] tanks, and the [[U.S. aircraft gun pods|SUU-11/A]] [[Minigun]] pod.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 44"/> For the majority of missions, the aircraft also carried two additional external fuel tanks on the inner stores pylons.

During this period, the A-37As flew thousands of sorties; none were lost to enemy fire, although two were wrecked in landing accidents. While the aircraft was formally named the "Dragonfly", many pilots called it the "Super Tweet". The Combat Dragon program was successful, but unsurprisingly the combat evaluation revealed some of the deficiencies of the A-37A.<ref name = "darling 289">Darling 2005, pp. 28-29.</ref> The most noticeable problem was that the aircraft lacked range and endurance. Other concerns were heavy control response during attack runs (the flight controls were not power-boosted) and the vulnerability of the aircraft's non-redundant flight control system. Some pilots also criticised the machine gun as ineffective and negatively impacting the pilot's view.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 46">Joiner 2009, p. 46.</ref><ref name = "darling 32">Darling 2005, p. 32.</ref>

[[File:OA-37B-2.jpg|thumb|left|An OA-37 Dragonfly aircraft over [[Edwards AFB]], California|alt=]]
The USAF signed a contract with Cessna in early 1967 for an improved Super Tweet, designated the "A-37B". The initial order was for 57 aircraft, but this was quickly increased to 127; the unit cost of these aircraft were roughly one quarter of the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]] all-weather fighter aircraft.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 42">Joiner 2009, p. 42.</ref> The A-37Bs were primarily intended to be supplied to the [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] (RVNAF) as replacements for their [[A-1 Skyraider]]s. The A-37B prototype was rolled out in September 1967, with deliveries to the South Vietnamese beginning in 1968.

The A-37Bs were all newly built airframes that were considerably stronger than those of the A-37A, capable of pulling six [[g-force|''g'']] instead of five, and were built to have a longer fatigue life of 4,000 hours. Field experience would demonstrate that 7,000 hours between overhauls could be tolerated. The A-37B weighed almost twice as much as the T-37C; a remarkable fraction of the loaded weight, {{cvt|5800|lb|kg}}, could be external stores. In practice, the A-37B usually operated with at least two and sometimes four underwing fuel tanks to improve combat endurance. The A-37B added a refueling probe to the nose, leading to pipes wrapped around the lower lip of the canopy, for probe-and-drogue [[aerial refueling]]. This was an unusual fit for USAF aircraft, which traditionally are configured for boom refueling. Other improvements included updated avionics, a redesigned instrument panel to make the aircraft easier to fly from either seat, an automatic engine inlet [[de-icing]] system, and revised landing gear. Like its predecessors, the A-37B was not pressurized.

In order to accommodate the increased weight, the A-37B was powered by General Electric J85-GE-17A engines, providing {{cvt|2850|lbf|kN}} thrust each. These engines were canted slightly outward and downward to improve single-engine handling.<ref name = "darling 323">Darling 2005, pp. 32-33.</ref> Air commando pilots in Vietnam operating the A-37A had found single-engine cruise an effective means of improving their flight endurance. Modifications were made to control surfaces to improve handling. To improve aircraft and crew survivability, the A-37B was fitted with redundant elevator control runs that were placed as far apart as possible. The ejection seats were armored, the cockpit was lined with nylon flak curtains, and foam-filled [[self-sealing fuel tank]]s were installed. To extend endurance, pilots were authorized to fly the A-37 on only one active engine, an uncommon practice outside of emergency situations at that time.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 47">Joiner 2009, p. 47.</ref>

[[File:A-37B Minigun.jpg|thumb|A-37B [[Minigun]] in nose compartment]]

The {{cvt|20|mm|in|sigfig=3}} [[U.S. aircraft gun pods|GPU-2/A]] and AMD {{cvt|30|mm|in|sigfig=3}} cannon pods were tested with favorable results on the A-37B,<ref>[http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0902219 "Seek Gun - AMD 420 30mm and GPU-2/A 20mm Gun Pod Test."] ''dtic.mil.'' Retrieved: 14 November 2011. {{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Dead link|date = October 2015}}</ref> but reports indicate that such pods were either seldom or never used in operation.

The A-37 proved to excel at the close air support mission.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 45">Joiner 2009, p. 45.</ref> It was able to engage targets at speeds roughly 100 miles per hour slower than swept-wing fighters and by doing so improve its bombing accuracy; pilots were reportedly able to achieve an average accuracy of {{convert|45|ft|m}}. While the aircraft's slow speed was feared to make it more vulnerable to hostile ground fire, the A-37's relatively small size, atypical speeds, and relatively low altitudes combined to make it somewhat hard to effectively hit with gunfire.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 45"/> The A-37 required a relatively low amount of maintenance compared to contemporary fighters—only two hours of maintenance for each hour of flight time, six times less than that of the [[McDonnell F-101 Voodoo]]; a feat was partially due to the convenient placement of multiple access panels at strategic locations.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 467">Joiner 2009, pp. 46-47.</ref><ref name = "darling 18">Darling 2005, p. 18.</ref>

The A-37 did not typically attract attention from the media, unlike many other USAF combat aircraft used in the theatre; one reason for this was that the type was never flown into North Vietnam, where hostile air defenses were proved to be challenging, claiming to have downed almost 200 F-4s and 300 F-105s by the conflict's end. Instead, A-37s operated in the south, as well as in neighboring [[Laos]] and [[Cambodia]], where it was typically used to support US ground forces.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 47"/>

A total of 577 A-37Bs were constructed, 254 of which being delivered to the RVNAF. By the war's end, the A-37 had flown over 160,000 combat sorties, during which only 22 USAF aircraft were recorded as lost due to combat. The type remained active in the theatre right up until the [[Fall of Saigon]], shortly prior to which efforts were made to retrieve as many as possible before they fell into North Vietnamese hands.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/escape-to-u-taphao-112/ |title = Escape to U Taphao |publisher = [[Smithsonian]] |first = Ralph |last = Wetterhahn |date = January 1997}}</ref> As a consequence of the North Vietnamese capture of [[Da Nang Air Base]] at the end of March 1975, their forces captured large amounts of stores and equipment, including 33 intact A-37s.<ref name="AE16p75">Mesko ''Air Enthusiast'' August–November 1981, p. 78.</ref><ref name = "lavalle 76">Lavalle 1985, p. 76.</ref> On 28 April 1975, several of these captured A-37s were used by the North Vietnamese [[Bombing of Tan Son Nhut Air Base|to attack]] [[Tan Son Nhut Air Base]], still held by the South Vietnamese.<ref name="debriefp2234">Dorr and Bishop 1996, pp. 223–224.</ref><ref name = "darling 434">Darling 2005, pp. 43-44.</ref>

====Post-Vietnam era====
Approximately 187 A-37Bs are believed to have been in RVNAF service by the Fall of Saigon in April 1975. Ninety-two of these were recovered by the US, while the other 95 aircraft would be operated by the [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] in missions over [[Cambodian–Vietnamese War|Cambodia]] and during the [[Sino-Vietnamese War|China conflict in 1979]]. These "renegade" aircraft were phased out of service in the late 1970s or early 1980s, likely due to the lack of spare parts. Some of these captured A-37s were shipped to Vietnam's then-[[Communist]] allies such as [[Czechoslovakia]], [[Poland]], the [[Soviet Union]] and [[East Germany]].{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} Others were sold to private foreign owners; six A-37B became the property of American warbird fans while four A-37Bs became privately owned by individuals in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]].

Following the conflict's end, the USAF opted to transfer their A-37Bs from the USAF [[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC) to TAC-gained units in the [[Air National Guard]] and [[Air Force Reserve]].<ref name = "darling 567">Darling 2005, pp. 56-57.</ref> During the early 1980s, these aircraft were assigned to the FAC (Forward Air Control) role and given the designation ''OA-37B''. The OA-37Bs were eventually phased out in the 1980s and 1990s and replaced in the FAC mission by the much more formidable [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II]] in USAF, Air National Guard, and USAF Reserve service.<ref name="Joiner 2009, p. 49">Joiner 2009, p. 49.</ref>

OA-37s from the [[24th Composite Wing]]'s (later [[24th Wing]]'s) ''24th Tactical Air Support Squadron'' ([[24th Tactical Air Support Squadron|24 TASS]]) also saw service during [[Operation Just Cause]], the United States invasion of Panama in December 1989.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.history.army.mil/documents/panama/taskorg.htm |title = OPERATION JUST CAUSE: XVIII Airborne Corps and Joint Task Force South |publisher = History.army.mil |access-date = 8 September 2012 |archive-date = 25 August 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120825104816/http://www.history.army.mil/documents/panama/taskorg.htm |url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Salvadoran Civil War===
[[File:Cessna A-37 Dragonfly, El Salvador - Air Force JP6008311.jpg|thumb|right|An ''FAS'' A-37 Dragonfly in flight over [[Mexico]]]]
A-37Bs were used extensively by the [[Salvadoran Air Force]] during the [[Salvadoran Civil War]], supplied by the United States in 1983 as a replacement for the Salvadoran Air Force's [[Dassault Ouragan]]s, several of which had been destroyed on the ground by the [[FMLN]]. A-37Bs were used to bomb rebel bases, columns, towns, provided close air support, and flew interdiction missions. A total of 21 A-37Bs and 9 OA-37Bs were supplied during the war, one of which was lost on November 18, 1989 when fire from a [[Dragunov sniper rifle]] killed the co-pilot, causing the pilot to eject, and another that was shot down by an [[SA-7]] missile on November 23, 1990.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Country-By-Country/Salvadore.htm |title=Salvadore |publisher=Ejection-history.org.uk |access-date=2013-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107081104/http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Country-By-Country/Salvadore.htm |archive-date=2013-11-07 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Nine A-37s remained in operational condition by the end of the war.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Tom|title=El Salvador, 1980–1992|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=47|publisher=ACIG.org|access-date=30 January 2013}}</ref>

===Other Latin American countries===
The A-37B was also exported to Latin America, mostly during the 1970s. It was well suited to their needs because of its simplicity, low cost, and effectiveness for insurgent warfare. Most of the A-37Bs exported south had the refueling probe shortened to act as a single-point ground refueling probe, or deleted completely.

During the late 1970s, amid rising tensions between [[Argentina]] and [[Chile]] over conflicting territorial claims, commonly referred to be as the [[Beagle conflict]], the [[Chilean Air Force]] retrofitted their T-37s into an armed  configuration near identical to that of the A-37. In anticipation of a need for additional combat aircraft, the service subsequently procured A-37s from the United States as well.<ref name = "darling 79">Darling 2005, p. 79.</ref>

The [[Guatemalan Air Force]] flew the A-37 in extensive counter-insurgency operations throughout the 1970s-1990s, losing one aircraft in action in 1985.<ref>Overall, 2004, pp. 12–23.</ref> The type has also been widely used for counter-narcotics operations.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20031011120941/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_167.shtml "Drug-Busting Operations Air-to-Air Victories."]}} ''acig.org,'' 1 September 2003. Retrieved: 11 January 2011.</ref>

During the mid-1970s, 36 A-37Bs were procured for the [[Peruvian Air Force]]. On 10 February 1995, a Peruvian A-37 was shot down by an [[Ecuadorian Air Force]] [[IAI Kfir]] over a border dispute.<ref name = "darling 86">Darling 2005, p. 86.</ref> On 20 April 2001, a Peruvian A-37B [[2001 Peru shootdown|shot down]] a civilian [[Cessna 185 Skywagon|Cessna A185E floatplane]] with a [[minigun]] under surveillance by CIA controllers who advised against engaging. The Peruvian controller had the final authority in this situation, and he believed that the flight was [[illegal drug trade in Peru|carrying drugs out]] of the country, and so ordered the A-37 pilot to open fire. As a result a US missionary and her daughter were killed. The Cessna A185E crash landed in a river where locals in their boats helped the passengers.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/publications/10764.pdf|title=United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence |date = October 2001 |website = 10764.pdf |access-date = March 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/PROCEDURES%20USED%20IN%20NARCOTICS%20AIRBRIDGE%20DENIAL%20PROGRAM%20IN%20PERU%2C%201995-2001.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161226025609/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/PROCEDURES%20USED%20IN%20NARCOTICS%20AIRBRIDGE%20DENIAL%20PROGRAM%20IN%20PERU%2C%201995-2001.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-date = December 26, 2016 |title = PROCEDURES USED IN NARCOTICS AIRBRIDGE DENIAL PROGRAM IN PERU, 1995-2001 |last = Helgerson |first = John |date = 25 August 2008 |website = cia.gov |access-date = March 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://abcnews.go.com/International/video/cia-shoots-missionary-plane-9733289 |title = Video: WATCH: CIA Video of Missionary Plane Shootdown |website = ABC News |language = en |access-date = 4 March 2020}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Cessna A-37 Dragonfly weapon load display, circa in 1968.jpg|thumb|Cessna A-37A weapon load display.]]
;YAT-37D
:Two former T-37C trainer prototypes converted for counter-insurgency operations with two J-85-GE engines and six underwing pylons as prototypes for the A-37 series, redesignated YA-37A.
;YA-37A
:Two YAT-37D prototypes redesignated.
;A-37A
:(Cessna Model 318D) T-37B rebuilt with two J-85-GE-5 engines, a 7.62&nbsp;mm Minigun in nose and eight underwing stores pylons, 39 conversions.
;A-37B
:(Cessna Model 318E) Production version with two J-85-GE-17A engines, provision for inflight refuelling, increased fuel capacity and strengthened airframe, 577 built.
;OA-37B
:The OA-37B Dragonfly was an armed observation aircraft developed during the Vietnam War.
;B.J.6
:({{langx|th|บ.จ.๖}}) Thai designation for the A-37B.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

==Operators==

===Current===
[[File:A-37 HAF.jpg|thumb|A Honduran Air Force A-37 Dragonfly aircraft during a combined U.S./[[Military of Honduras|Honduran]] training operation in 1983.]]
[[File:Uruguayan Air Force Cessna OA-37B Dragonfly (318E) Lofting.jpg|thumb|Uruguayan Air Force Cessna OA-37B Dragonfly]]
[[File:A37 Dragonfly on display at the Military Museum, Bogota.jpg|thumb|right|A-37 on display at the military Museum, Bogota]]
;{{ESA}}
* [[Salvadoran Air Force]] - 13 in service as of December 2022.<ref name="waf2023"/>
;{{GUA}}
* [[Guatemalan Air Force]] 3 remains in service as of December 2022.<ref name="waf2023">https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688 "2023 World Air Forces" | "Flight International"</ref>
;{{HND}}
* [[Honduran Air Force]] 9 operational as of December 2022.<ref name="waf2023"/>
;{{PER}}
* [[Peruvian Air Force]] 20 operational as of December 2022.<ref name="waf2023"/> Peru has acquired 8 A-37Bs donated by South Korea in 2010.<ref>[http://www.andina.com.pe/Espanol/Noticia.aspx?id=iOY5v2awNvM= "Ministro de Defensa recibirá este jueves ocho aviones donados por Corea" (in Spanish).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724004833/http://www.andina.com.pe/Espanol/Noticia.aspx?id=iOY5v2awNvM= |date=2011-07-24 }} ''Andina'', 3 January 2010. Retrieved: 17 January 2011.</ref>
;{{URY}}
* [[Uruguayan Air Force]] 9 in service as of December 2022.<ref name="waf2023"/>

===Former===
;{{CHI}}
* [[Chilean Air Force]] received 44 aircraft – Retired by the end of 2009, the last two planes in flight were flown back to Santiago-El Bosque AFB on May 27, 2010.<ref>[http://www.fach.cl/noticias/2010/junio/a37dejan/a37dejan.htm "Últimos 2 Aviones A-37 Dragonfly Dejaon Magallens."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605185828/http://www.fach.cl/noticias/2010/junio/a37dejan/a37dejan.htm |date=June 5, 2010 }} fach.cl. Retrieved: 11 January 2011.</ref>
;{{flag|Dominican Republic}}
* [[Dominican Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Dominican-Republic-Air-Force/Cessna-OA-37B-Dragonfly-318E/357695|title=Aviation Photo #0357695: Cessna OA-37B Dragonfly (318E) - Dominican Republic - Air Force|website=Airliners.net|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>
;{{COL}}
* [[Colombian Air Force]] received 16 aircraft, 14 of them were in service as of December 2022.<ref name="waf2023"/> They were modified to carry [[GBU-12 Paveway II]] LGBs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.webinfomil.com/2013/05/bombas-inteligentes-egbu-12-son.html |title=Bombas inteligentes EGBU-12 "Paveway II" son adaptadas con éxito a los aviones A-37B Dragonfly de la Fuerza Aérea Colombiana ~ WebInfomil |publisher=Webinfomil.com |date=2009-08-27 |access-date=2013-11-27}}</ref> Despite the modernizations the aircraft were retired by the end of 2023. Replaced by the T6C Texan II. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4424977/114-colombia-colombia-recibe-septimo-avion-t-6c-texan.html |title=Colombia recibe su séptimo avión T-6C Texan |publisher=www.infodefensa.com |date=2023-12-07 |access-date=2025-12-19}}</ref>
;{{ECU}}
* [[Ecuadorian Air Force]] received 28 aircraft. Replaced by the [[Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano]].
;{{KOR}}
* [[South Korean Air Force]] – First introduced in October 1976, the A-37 was replaced by the [[T-50 Golden Eagle]]. It also served with the ROKAF [[Black Eagles aerobatic team]], until retired after the Seoul Air Show in 2007.
;{{THA}}
[[File:T-37 RTAF.jpg|thumb|A-37B (21133) on display at the [[Royal Thai Air Force Museum]]]]
* [[Royal Thai Air Force]] - 16 received in the 1970s, with two more received in the 1980s.<ref>Pocock 1986, p. 115.</ref>
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Air Force]]. Retired from service in 1992.
:see [[List of United States Air Force squadrons operating the A-37 Dragonfly]]
;{{flag|South Vietnam}}
* [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] - 254 received.
;{{flag|Vietnam}}
* [[Vietnam Air Force]] - 95 captured


==Aircraft on display==
[[File:AT-37 Dragonfly.JPG|thumb|right|A-37, AF Ser. No. 70-1285, in Ho Chi Minh City at the [[War Remnants Museum]]; this is a former [[VNAF]] aircraft with spurious USAF markings reapplied]]

===Australia===
;Airworthy
;;A-37B Dragonfly
* 68-10779 - [[Temora Aviation Museum]], civil registered as VH-XVA.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url = https://aviationmuseum.com.au/cessna-a-37b-dragonfly/|title =Cessna A-37B Dragonfly |author = [[Temora Aviation Museum]] |work = aviationmuseum.com.au |year = 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190302052951/https://aviationmuseum.com.au/cessna-a-37b-dragonfly/ |archive-date = 2 March 2019}}</ref> Ownership was transferred to the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] in July 2019 and it is operated by the [[No. 100 Squadron RAAF|Air Force Heritage Squadron (Temora Historic Flight)]].<ref name="TemMay19">{{cite web |url = https://aviationmuseum.com.au/may-2019-newsletter/ |title = May 2019 News |date = 10 May 2019 |publisher = Temora Aviation Museum |access-date = 10 February 2021}}</ref>
* 68-10805 - [[Temora Aviation Museum]], civil registered as VH-DLO.<ref name="auto"/>

===Chile===
;Display
;;A-37B Dragonfly
* FACh 629 - [[Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio]] in Santiago.<ref>Romero, Álvero. [http://modocharlie.com/2010/07/66%C2%B0-aniversario-del-mnae/ "66° Aniversario del MNAE."] ''modocharlie.com.'' Retrieved: 11 January 2011.</ref>

===Colombia===
;Display
;;A-37B Dragonfly
*FAC-2171 (ex-USAF 71-0370) - Museo Militar Colombia in [[Bogotá]], Colombia<ref>[https://www.fac.mil.co/index.php?idcategoria=130&pag=3 "Parque Aeronáutico>" (in Portuguese)] ''MAECO Colombian Air and Space Museum.'' Retrieved: 14 November 2011.</ref>

===New Zealand===
;Display
;;A-37B Dragonfly
* [[Classic Flyers Museum]] in Mount Maunganui; one of the two has been restored to flying condition <ref>[http://www.classicflyersnz.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=2 "A-37B."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205105205/http://www.classicflyersnz.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=2 |date=2009-02-05 }} ''Classic Flyers Museum.'' Retrieved: 17 January 2011.</ref>

===Poland===
;Display
;;A-37B Dragonfly
* [[Polish Aviation Museum]] in [[Kraków]] donated by Vietnam People's Air Force in 1978 with 2 F-5 (1 F-5A and 1 F-5E) for aeronautical re-engineering projects.<ref>[http://muzeumlotnictwa.pl/zbiory_sz.php?ido=49&w=p "A-37B."] ''muzeumlotnictwa.pl.'' Retrieved: 17 January 2011.</ref>

===Thailand===
;Display
;;A-37B Dragonfly
* [[Royal Thai Air Force Museum]] in [[Don Mueang]], Bangkok.<ref>[http://www.rtaf.mi.th/museum/BLDG3-2.html "Building 3: Aircraft used in anti-Communism campaign."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606061827/http://www.rtaf.mi.th/museum/BLDG3-2.html |date=2011-06-06 }} ''Royal Thai Air Force Museum.'' Retrieved: 17 January 2011.</ref>
* 71-0825 - [[Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base]] in [[Nakhon Sawan province|Nakhon Sawan]], mounted on pedestal at entrance. Former [[VNAF]] aircraft, captured during [[Fall of Saigon]] after pilot flew to seek refuge in Thailand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pantip.com/topic/31031963 |title=ภาพหาดูยาก.. บ A37 ทอ.เวียดนามไต้ลงจอดหน้าที่ว่าการ อ.บ้านไผ่ จ ขอนแก่น]|access-date=2023-03-22 }}</ref>

===United States===
;Display
[[File:18-15-231-A37.jpg|thumb|Cessna A-37A display at the [[Museum of Aviation (Warner Robins)|Museum of Aviation]]]]
;;YA-37A Dragonfly
* 62-5951 - [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]] in [[Dayton, Ohio]]. This aircraft, one of two YAT-37Ds, was retired to the museum in December 1964. In August 1966 it was recalled to active service for final testing of the A-37 design.  The aircraft was retired to the museum for a second time in July 1970 as the YA-37A.<ref>[https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196046/cessna-a-37-dragonfly/ "Cessna A-37 Dragonfly/62-5961"] ''National Museum of the US Air Force.'' Retrieved: 10 July 2017.</ref>
;;A-37A Dragonfly
* 67-14525 - [[Museum of Aviation (Warner Robins)|Museum of Aviation]], [[Robins AFB]], [[Warner Robins, Georgia]].<ref>[https://www.museumofaviation.org/portfolio/a-37a-dragonfly/ "Cessna A-37 Dragonfly/67-14525."] ''Museum of Aviation.'' Retrieved: 9 December 2019.</ref>
;;A-37B Dragonfly
* 67-14790 - Lackland Static Airplane Display at [[Lackland Air Force Base]] in [[San Antonio, Texas]]<ref>[http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=72717 "Cessna A-37 Dragonfly/67-14790."] ''aerialvisuals.ca'' Retrieved: 9 December 2019.</ref>
* 69-6439 - [[Stonehenge Air Museum]], [[Fortine, Montana]].<ref>[http://stonehengeairmuseum.org/1969-dragonfly "Cessna A-37 Dragonfly/69-6439."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609033534/http://stonehengeairmuseum.org/1969-dragonfly |date=9 June 2019 }} ''Stonehenge Air Museum'' Retrieved: 9 June 2019</ref>
* 71-0790 - [[March Field Air Museum]], [[Riverside, California]].<ref>[https://www.marchfield.org/aircraft/attack/a-37-dragonfly-cessna/ "Cessna A-37 Dragonfly/71-0790."] ''March Field Air Museum.'' Retrieved: 28 September 2019</ref>
;;OA-37B Dragonfly
* 70-1293 - Memorial Air Park at [[Hurlburt Field]] in Florida.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200218082004/https://www.hurlburt.af.mil/Portals/84/HOME%20PAGE/Helpful%20Info/Hurlburt%20Field%20Air%20Park/Airpark_Guide_2015.pdf?ver=2016-06-23-175444-307 "Cessna A-37 Dragonfly/70-1293."] ''Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park.'' Retrieved: 9 December 2019.</ref>
* 73-1114 - Yolo Fliers Club at Watts-Woodland Airport.<ref>[https://airport-data.com/aircraft/73-1114.html ''Yolo Fliers Club'']. Retrieved: 26 March 2025</ref>
;;NA-37B 
* 73-1090 - [[Air Force Flight Test Museum]] at [[Edwards AFB]].<ref>
[https://flighttestmuseum.org/portfolio/cessna-na-37b/ "Cessna NA-37B, S/N 73-1090"] ''Air Force Flight Test Museum'' Retrieved: 11 May 2024.</ref>

===Vietnam===
;Display
;;A-37B Dragonfly
* 67-14529 - [[Vietnam People's Air Force Museum, Hanoi]]<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Hunt |first1 = Julian |title = Picture of the Cessna A-37A Dragonfly (318D) aircraft |url = http://www.airliners.net/photo/Vietnam---Air/Cessna-A-37A-Dragonfly/1315329 |website = Airliners.net |publisher = Demand Media, Inc. |access-date = 23 June 2015}}</ref>

===Uruguay===
;Display
;;A-37B Dragonfly
* 69-6429 - [[Colonel Jaime Meregalli Aeronautical Museum]], Canelones.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

==Specifications (A-37B Dragonfly)==
[[File:Cessna A-37 Dragonfly 3-view line drawing.png|right|350px|3-view line drawing of the Cessna A-37 Dragonfly]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades''<ref name="Jup94p295">Michell 1994, p. 295.</ref>
|prime units?= imp
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew= 2
|capacity=
|length m=
|length ft= 28
|length in= 3+1/4
|span m=
|span ft= 35
|span in= 10+ 1/2
|span note=(over tip tanks)
|height m=
|height ft= 8
|height in= 10+1/2
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft= 183.9
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio= 6.2:1
|airfoil= NACA 2418 (modified) at root, NACA 2412 (modified) at tip
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb= 6,211
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb= 14,000
|fuel capacity={{convert|507|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} usable internal fuel (including tip tanks)
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 2
|eng1 name= [[General Electric J85]]-GE-17A
|eng1 type= [[turbojet]]
|eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf= 2,850<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|more power=

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph= 507
|max speed kts=
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph= 489<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed note= (max. cruise)
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph= 524
|never exceed speed kts=
|stall speed mph= 113
|stall speed note= at maximum landing weight, wheels and flaps down
|range km=
|ferry range miles= 1,012
|ferry range note= (with 4× {{convert|100|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} drop tanks
|combat range km=
|combat range miles= 460
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=(with maximum payload)
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft= 41,765
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin= 6,990
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->

|guns=<br/>
** 1 × {{cvt|7.62|mm|in}} [[GAU-2|GAU-2B/A]] minigun in nose with 1500 rounds
**Provision for SUU-11/A gun pods under wings
|bombs= <br/>
**{{convert|250|lb|kg|abbr=on}} [[Mark 81 bomb|Mark 81]], {{convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} [[Mark 82 bomb|Mark 82]] or {{convert|750|lb|kg|abbr=on}} [[M117 bomb]]s
** BLU-32B or BLU-1C/B fire bombs
** CBU-12, CBU-22 or CBU-24 cluster bombs
** SUU-14 bomb dispenser
|rockets= LAU-3/A rocket pods
|missiles= [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] 
|hardpoints= 8
|hardpoint capacity= inner four: {{convert|860|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, two intermediate: {{convert|600|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, two outer: {{convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
}}

==See also==

{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Cessna T-37 Tweet]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[BAC Strikemaster]]
* [[Saab 105]]
*[[Canadair CT-114 Tutor]]
|see also=
|lists=
}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
* Darling, Kev. [https://books.google.com/books?id=Cr20MURP3XAC "Tweet and the Dragonfly the Story of the Cessna A-37 and T-37."] Big Bird Aviation, 2005. {{ISBN|1411647483}}.
* Dorr, Robert F. and Bishop, Chris. ''Vietnam Air War Debrief''. London: Aerospace Publishing, 1996. {{ISBN|1-874023-78-6}}.
* Cotter, Jarrod. ''Temora's Dragonflies: The Dragonfly Warbirds of Temora''. ''[[Air Enthusiast]]'' 111, May/June 2004, pp.&nbsp;2–5. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
* Ford, Daniel. ''From 'Tweet" to Predator: Portfolio on the T-37 and the Dragonfly ''. ''[[Air Enthusiast]]'', No. 111, May/June 2004, pp.&nbsp;6–11. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', Vol. 190, No. 5566, 6–12 December 2016, pp.&nbsp;22–53. {{ISSN|0015-3710}}. 
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/legends-of-vietnam-super-tweet-8974282/ "Legends of Vietnam: Super Tweet".] ''[[Air & Space]]'', Volume 24, Issue 6, December 2009/January 2010, pp.&nbsp;42–49.
* Lavalle, A. J. C. (ed.) [https://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/13/2001330009/-1/-1/0/AFD-101013-043.pdf ''USAF Southeast Asia Monograph Series Volume III: The Vietnamese Air Force 1951–75'']. Washington D.C.: Office of Air Force History, 1985. {{ISBN|0-912799-28-5}}.
* Mesko, Jim. "The Rise...and Fall of the Vietnamese Air Force". ''[[Air Enthusiast]]'', Sixteen, August–November 1981. pp.&nbsp;1–12, 78–80. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}.
* Michell, Simon. ''Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1994. {{ISBN|0-7106-1208-7}}.
*Overall, Mario E. ''Combat Dragons: Guatemala's Cessna A-37s''. ''Air Enthusiast'', No. 111,  May/June 2004, pp.&nbsp;12–23. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}.
* Pocock, Chris. "Thailand Hones its Air Forces". ''Air International'', Vol. 31, No. 3, September 1986. pp.&nbsp;113–121, 168. {{ISSN|0306-5634}}.
{{vectorsite}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Cessna A-37 Dragonfly}}
* [http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/Legends-of-Vietnam-Super-Tweet.html Legends of Vietnam: Super Tweet]

{{Cessna}}
{{US attack aircraft}}
{{USAF system codes}}
{{Thai attack aircraft designations}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cessna aircraft|A-37]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:1960s United States attack aircraft]]
[[Category:Counter-insurgency aircraft]]
[[Category:Cruciform tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1964]]
[[Category:Military equipment of the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]