sdunn

Will be painted in 1970/1971 Laos CIA colors overall gray that were in Country from 70-73

JoeyCoates

That raw aluminum sure is pretty though... Looks like a lot of fun.

Kipp Louis

I am looking forward for updates on your project. i love your idea on paint scheme that you chosen.

sdunn

Thanks Guys, the full photo restoration can be followed here:

http://s1141.photobucket.com/user/L-4Pilot/library/T-41?sort=3&page=1

sdunn

Test Flight, 91 degrees, 3300 ft runway, less than a 200 ft takeoff roll.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H35_v3B1oLQ&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xB8exydzYg

Avionics Shop for Radios and auto pilot installation

dhal22

Nice work.

sdunn

Thanks we have enjoyed working on it.

sdunn

Wanted to be sure everyone understood the difference between the T-41A used by the USAF for pilot training and the Army T-41B. The AF T-41A was an off the shelf Cessna 172 with a 145 hp O-300 engine, stock civilian interior and built under the Cessna 172 type certificate.

The Army T-41B was built under the C-175 type certificate, looks similar to the C-172 but is an entirely different aircraft. The engine is a Continental IO-360D with 210 HP, constant speed prop, the airframe was strengthened, 2500lb GW vs 2300 for C-172, quick release doors installed for bailout, heavier improved firewall, full size 600x6 nose gear (C-206), larger fuel tanks, no baggage door, main gear is from a C-182, different cowlings, military interior panels were the same type as the Cessna O-2 and L-19, the seats/cushions are same part # as Cessna O-2 designed for parachute. The engine radios and antennas are same as Cessna O-2.

Later the USAF liked the design of the T-41B and built the T-41D same as the B but advanced avionics and rear window design change. The C was built for the AF Academy with 210 hp and fixed pitch prop.

IO-360D engine used in Cessna O-2, T-41B and T-41D. The L-19 had 213 hp.

sdunn

Of the seven "T-41D" aircraft shipped to Laos in 1971/1972 four were actually former Army T-41Bs reclassified as D models by the Air Force.The T-41s, U-17s, U-6 aircraft were used for training and utility operations. The T-41s were never flown as FAC aircraft due to lack of under wing hard points. All 255 T-41B aircraft built start with serial # prefix 67, our T-41B is 67-15084.

sdunn

Overall dark flat grayT-41D 73-1662 former Cambodian Air Force aircraft has been repainted with US Insignia prior to delivery to Royal Thai Air Force, april 1975. The T-28s in the background are also being repainted with US markings for transfer to Thailand.

sdunn

Flew it home from the Avionics shop Friday. Marker beacon is still out for repair, KX-165, Garmin GNC-420, New Sandia Transponder and STEC AP all worked perfectly. Had enough room for two of the original radios. We will be adding a volt meter in the lower panel hole when we moved the flap gauge back up where it belongs.

Removed the engine cowling and inspected everything, no leaks, all OK. WE have flown her five hours now.

sdunn

In flight Video Cross Country Flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpU4nIROkX4

sdunn

US Army T-41B aircraft at the Cessna Pawnee factory from April 1972 till Sept 1972 receiving modifications and repaint in overall flat olive drab before shipment to SE Asia. Some of these aircraft eventually ended up with the Thai Armed Forces.. Modifications included advanced avionics and the addition of UHF/VHF Blade antennas along with FM com and homing capability. Several of the aircraft have yet to receive the flat black anti glare and markings and carry temporary white tail numbers. During this same time period four of these Army T-41B aircraft, serial #s 15066, 15067, 15163 and 15166 were modified and painted COIN gray for transfer to the USAF and shipment to Laos.

sdunn

sdunn

Finished and flying with exception of tail # to be painted on this week. Paint is full flat and we "weathered" the black anti glare on the nose to give the aircraft that "In Country" look of a year or so outside in SE Asia.

culver

Always wondered what was done to the 172 to handle 210HP, a friend got hold of the firewall forward assembly and after modifying the engine mount put it on a Globe Swift, the plane resides in Florida.