Fairchild 80 / AT-21 Gunner / XAT-13 / XAT-14

The increasing importance and complexity of multi-engined aircratt fitted with power-operated turrets compelled the development for the USAAF of a specialist trainer. The all-plywood XAT-13 medium bomber crew trainer with two 447-kW (600-hp) R-1340-AN-1 radials, a ball-mounted nose gun, a turret-mounted dorsal gun, a small bomb bay and, in addition to an instructor, stations for a pilot, bomb--aimer, navigator, gunner and radio operator, met that requirement.

The USAAC ordered two specialised gunnery trainer prototypes from Fairchild. The first (XAT-13) was intended to provide team training for a bomber aircraft's entire crew, and this aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN1 Wasp 9-cylinder radial engines.

The second prototype (XAT-14) was of similar layout and powered by two 388kW (520-hp) Ranger V-770-6 inline engines. It was adapted subsequently as a specialised trainer for bomb-aimers, with its defensive guns removed, under the designation XAT-14A. Testing and evaluation of these aircraft resulted in the procurement of a specialised gunnery trainer under the designation AT-21 Gunner.

A cantilever mid-wing monoplane of mixed construction, the AT-21 had a deep oval-section fuselage, a tail unit incorporating twin fins and rudders and retractable tricycle landing gear. Accommodation was provided for a crew of five, including pilot, co-pilot/gunnery instructor and three pupils.

The AT-21 production type, was optimised for gunnery training with a two-gun turret but no bomb bay.

 

Of the 175 AT-21s constructed, 106 were built by Fairchild and, to speed deliveries to the USAAF, 39 were built by Bellanca Aircraft Corporation and 30 by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation at St Louis. Entering service with newly-established air gunnery schools, the AT-21s remained in service until 1944, when they were displaced by training examples of the operational aircraft in which the air gunners would eventually serve. Many of these surplus aircraft were then converted for use as target tugs.

XAT-13
Engines: 2 x R-1340-AN-1 radials, 447-kW (600-hp).

XAT-14
Engines: 2 x Ranger V-770-6 inlines, 388-kW (520-hp).

AT-21
Engine; 2 x Ranger V-770-11/-15, 388kW / 513 hp
Max take-off weight: 5129 kg / 11308 lb
Empty weight: 3925 kg / 8653 lb
Wingspan: 16.05 m / 52 ft 8 in
Length: 11.58 m / 38 ft 0 in
Height: 4.0 m / 13 ft 1 in
Wing area: 35.12 sq.m / 378.03 sq ft
Wing loading: 29.93 lb/sq.ft / 146.0 kg/sq.m
Max. speed: 195 kts / 362 km/h / 225 mph
Cruise speed: 170 kts / 315 km/h / 196 mph
Service ceiling: 6750 m / 22150 ft
Cruising altitude: 12008 ft / 3660 m
Range: 791 nm / 1460 km / 907 miles
Armament: 3x MG cal.30 (7.62mm)
Seats: 5