Cessna will forever be recognized as a player in the realm of general aviation. However, Cessia has also produced an impressive and reliable military aircraft with the A-37 Dragonfly.
Cessna stands out as a leading figure in general aviation, possibly unmatched globally in producing two- and four-seat planes. These aircraft are particularly favored by novice pilots and recreational flyers because of their straightforward upkeep, uncomplicated systems, and excellent fuel efficiency. Numerous aviators who have ventured into flying, whether commercially, militarily, or recreationally, started with a Cessna, including myself. However, Cessna does not limit itself solely to crafting airplanes used in general aviation; they also expand beyond this domain. has dabbled in military aviation through less extensive versions. For instance, there’s the T-41 Mescalero, which is a militarized variant of the renowned Cessna 172 ; the U-3 "Blue Canoe," a military variant of the Cessna 310; the O-2 Skymaster , a military variant of the Cessna 337; and the single jet-powered aircraft in the lineup, the A-37 Dragonfly.
The A-37 is often considered the "most straightforward" military plane produced by Cessna’s production line, since this jet originated from a dedicated military trainer called the T-37 Tweet. Consequently, the A-37 earned the nickname of the "Super Tweet," fulfilling a lightweight attack mission during the Vietnam War.
Introducing the A-37 Dragonfly
As the U.S. found itself more deeply involved in what would later be known as the Vietnam War, military strategists identified the necessity of developing a counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft. They realized that none of their current assets were ideally equipped for this role. In response, they turned innovatively towards their own training fleet seeking an answer. At that point, the Cessna T-37 Tweet stood out as a common jet trainer within the air force’s ranks. Was it feasible to repurpose this training plane for combat missions overseas? Indeed, concluded the Air Force—provided certain adaptations could be made. These included enhancing both fuel capacity and cargo space along with improving takeoff and landing capabilities on shorter runways.
The requirement for greater distance and capacity necessitated additional weight, leading to the demand for a stronger engine. As such, the T-37’s original Continental J-69 power plants were swapped out for General Electric J-85 turbojets, providing 2,400 pounds of thrust per unit. Additional changes involved beefed-up wings, added wingtip fuel tanks, upgraded avionics systems designed to improve battlefield communication, and enhanced landing gears built to withstand harsh field conditions.
And—most distinctively—a GAU-2B/A 7.62-mm Gatling-style minigun was installed in the nose section, making it a distinctive characteristic of this particular Cessna aircraft. This minigun had the capability to fire up to 3,000 rounds every minute. In addition to the gun, modifications were made to both wings so they could accommodate three pylons each, designed to carry various types of ammunition. The final result became widely recognized as the A-37 Dragonfly, or alternatively referred to as the “ Super Tweet .”
As the conflict in Vietnam intensified, the A-37 was sent to the area. Operating out of Bien Hoa Air Base, the aircraft played its part. A-37 offered close aerial backup, helicopter accompaniment, forward airspace command, and nighttime disruption. During combat situations, it was equipped with an array of weaponry including bombs, rockets, and napalm.
Overall, the A-37 conducted more than 160,000 missions throughout the conflict with just 22 aircraft lost. Following the fall of Saigon, the North Vietnamese secured 33 undamaged A-37s, subsequently employing them for additional assaults on the Southern forces.
Cessna will forever be recognized as a player in the realm of general aviation. However, Cessia has actually created an impressive and proven warfare pilot in the A-37 Dragonfly.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a senior defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
Image: Shutterstock / A Periam Photography.