Temco TT Pinto

The Temco TT Pinto, although often associated with Cessna due to a brief licensing arrangement in the early 1950s, originated as a Temco design intended to fill the U.S. Navy’s demand for a low‑cost, light‑attack trainer. First flown in October 1950, the aircraft entered limited service in 1952, with Cessian engineers overseeing production to meet strict naval specifications. Powered by a Continental O‑470‑J air‑cooled six‑cylinder engine delivering 225 hp, the Pinto featured a sleek low‑wing monoplane layout, all‑metal stressed‑skin construction, and a retractable tricycle landing gear that set a new standard for training platforms of its era.

Key features included a spacious tandem cockpit with dual controls, a generous fuel capacity of 110 gal for extended missions, and provisions for mounting light armament such as 7.62 mm machine guns or 70 mm rockets, giving it a versatile attack capability. Its handling was praised for stability at low speeds and responsive roll rates, making it an effective bridge between basic trainers and frontline fighters.

Although production numbers remained modest—just 119 units—its hybrid role as both trainer and counter‑insurgency aircraft demonstrated the practicality of multi‑mission light aircraft. The TT Pinto’s brief but impactful service influenced later Cessna designs, cementing its place as a noteworthy experiment in mid‑century naval aviation.

Cessna

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification