<hi style=afpcap>The Cessna T-37 jet trainer was designed to be a rugged aircraft which could handle with ease the rigours of frequent manoeuvres and heavy landings without developing serious structural problems. Quite naturally the company evaluated the possibility of an armed version with two T-37Bs being designated as YAT-37Ds. The 1962 programme gained little attention initially, although the pressing needs of the war in South East Asia for effective counter insurgency aircraft lead Cessna to re-evaluate the project in 1966. Cessna completed 39 T-37Bs as A-37As for close air support and armed reconnaissance, fitted with eight underwing hardpoints, and a 7.62 mm Minigun in the forward fuselage. A squadron of A-37As was sent to Vietnam for evaluation in 1967, while Cessna was incorporating various improvements into the A-37B. Deliveries began in May 1968 with 577 being produced for the US Air Force as well as for certain export customers including The Republic of Vietnam. The A-37 served with the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve throughout the '80s. </hi>
