The Model 45 Mentor first flew on 2 December 1948, as a primary training version of the Bonanza. In March 1953 the USAF chose the T-34A as its new primary trainer. In June 1954, the Navy ordered the T-34B. Mentors were produced by Beech, Wichita, KS, by Canadian Car and Foundry, Montreal, by Fuji, Japan, and by Fabrica Militar de Aviones, Argentina. Air Force T-34's were retired in 1960, but in 1973 the USN ordered the turboprop T-34C. These joined Naval Air Training Command in 1977. About 200 T-34's appear on the U.S. Civil Registry today.

The Planes of Fame T-34B was delivered to the Navy in September 1955. It served at Whiting, Saufley, Olathe, and Quantico before being surplused in January 1960. From June 1960 until November 1989, Bu 140699 was registered to the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources. It operated as a photo ship with a belly camera window. The aircraft came to the Museum in 1990. It has been restored to standard military configuration.