T37 "Tweet" - Avsim

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The Cessna T37 is a basic tandem USAF trainer that entered service in 1956 with the T37-A-model. It had a twin engine
layout of two Continental-Teledyne J-69-T-9 turbojet engines with 4.1 kN (420 kgp / 920 lbf) thrust each and weighed
roughly 7000 pounds. Cadet training began in 1957 and the aircraft quickly gathered a reputation of being a pleasure to fly
for both students and instructors. Furthermore, the plane was capable of performing all sorts of aerobatics. With regards to
this, it was considered as a replacement for the F-100 Sabres of the Thunderbirds demonstration team, a proposal that was
later turned down by the USAF who decided to stay with the F-100.
The “Tweet” was also known as the “Dragonfly” performing in the “Combat Dragon” evaluation program where it saw CAS,
FAC and night interdiction missions in South East Asia in 1967. Though underpowered and of low endurance (the aircraft was
flown routineously on one engine in cruise flight), its combat appearance was regarded as a success. Improvements of the
final combat “A” (attack) Version, the A37-B, affected the engines (now General Electric J85-GE-17A with 12.7 kN (1.300
kgp/2850 lbf) thrust each), redundant control lines, ejection seat armour plates and self sealing tanks. The planes were also
equipped with a mid-air refuelling probe. A General Electric GAU-2B/A 7.62 millimeter Gatling "Minigun" with a rate of fire of
3,000 rounds a minute and 1,500 rounds of ammunition was fitted to the right side of the nose with a corresponding gun
sight and camera. The avionics suite was also upgraded for battlefield communications.
Microsim’s T37 features the “T” (training) variants 37A and the 37C.
Installation and Documentation
Test System
Intel Core2 Duo 6300 @
1.86 GHz
2 GB Ram
NVidia Geforce 6600 GT
Sansun PCI SN-SD6C
Soundcard
Track IR 3 with Vector Set
Saitek X52 Joystick and
Throttle
CH Products Rudder Pedals
Flying Time:
20 hours
The installer is a 73 MB file with the Flight One purchasing system. As usual with Flight One,
everything worked flawless. There are two updates available, but due to piracy, their links
have been removed from the homepage and you have to mail the support people personally
for their direct links. I received my support mail within 12 hours of contacting Microsim. The
1.03 update is 3 MB, the 1.04 update 32 MB. Once installed, you are required to change the
key mapping of the speed brake and you are presented with a little configuration utility
which enables you to select a soundset. A dual aircraft installation into FS 2004 is possible.
The accompanying HTML-manual is simply awesome. It gives you a good insight on virtually
any aspect of the plane. The electric and hydraulic system is explained, every instrument is
outlined with regards to the effects of a DC or hydraulic failure. You’ll become introduced to
a couple of air force procedures and you’ll receive a lesson in aerobatics. Add to all that
checklists, IFR rules of thumb and speed tables, as well as an historical chapter on the
evolution of the plane. The manual is a true work of dedication.
I’d recommend everyone who’s unsure about purchasing the aircraft to download the .pdf
manual and read a few chapters. I am convinced that after a while you’ll come to the
conclusion that people who put so much compassion into a manual cannot fail to create a
sound plane.
If the simulation should differ in one aspect or another from the original plane, the reasons for this are explained in the
manual and the difference is outlined. Most of the time, this is due to things you cannot perform in FS9 (like a preflight walk
around or UHF radio etc.), sometimes it is due to convenience for the pilot (like the mini NAV panel or the autopilot
supplied).
Exterior Models
The aircraft comes with 11 liveries. The T37A has got the Vance AFB, Reese AFB, Laughlin AFB, Columbus AFB, Sheppard
AFB, Randolph AFB, Korean AF, NASA and Cessna factory rollout paint schemes. The T37C (armaments trainer) of the 1.04
update, with its long range wingtip tanks, has a camouflage scheme. All textures are photorealistic with readable decals.
Some are highly reflective with impressive effects as outlined in the screenshots.
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