NORTH AMERICAN T-6 "TEXAN"
The AT-6 advanced trainer was one of the most widely used aircraft in history.  Evolving from the BC-1 basic combat trainer ordered in 1937, 15,495 Texans were built between 1938 and 1945.  The USAAF procured 10,057 AT-6's, others went to the Navy as SNJ's and to more than 30 Allied nations.  Most AAF fighter pilots trained in AT-6's prior to graduation from flying school.  Many of the "Spitfire" and "Hurricane" pilots in the Battle of Britain trained in Canada in "Harvards," the British version of the AT-6.  To comply with neutrality laws, U.S. built Harvards were flown north to the border and were pushed across.

In 1948, Texans still in USAF service were redesignated as T-6's when the AT, BT, and PT aircraft designations were abandoned.  To meet an urgent need for close air support of ground forces in the Korean Conflict, T-6's flew "mosquito missions" spotting enemy troops and guns and marking them with smoke rockets for attack by fighter-bombers.

SPECIFICATIONS

Span:  42 ft.
Length:  29 ft. 6 in.
Height:  10 ft. 10 in.
Weight:  5,617 lbs. loaded
Armament:  None (some AT-6's used for gunnery/bombing training)
Engine:  Pratt & Whitney R-1340 of 600 hp.
Max.Speed:  210 mph
Cruise Speed:  145 mph


 
"Living Angel"
"Felix"
"Fish Lady"
"Last Date"
"My Susie"
"War Dog"
 
 
 
  
This page could use a few more photos of this great trainer.  If you have any that you'd be willing to share let me know.