North American T-6 Texan

History of North American T-6 Texans

The T-6 Texan was and is a world-renowned single-engine aircraft, best known for its use as a trainer. A product of North American Airlines, the T-6 Texan appeared during World War II, survived the Korean conflict, served for a while during the Vietnam War, and is still in service today. The sheer durability of this system has made it a popular aircraft among flight demonstrations and aircraft enthusiasts around the world.

The first flight took place on April 1, 1935.

The T-6 Texan originally appeared on the NA-16 in prototype form. The NA-16 is a traditional all-metal monoplane low-wing system with an open cockpit. The landing gear is fixed, and power is a Wright R-975 radial piston engine rated at 400 hp. After some modifications, including a glass cockpit canopy, the aircraft (known in North America as the NA-18) was incorporated into its "basic operations" by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAC - the predecessor of the modern Air Force).

The aircraft that competed with the T-6 are now being North American designation NA-26, an evolution of the improved core aircraft, now with a more powerful 600 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial piston engine, updated cockpit equipment and retractable landing gear (including tail wheel). This model entered production as the AT-6 Texan (though it was once known as the BC-1) and the SNJ.

The aircraft was also received by several export customers, including the RAF and Commonwealth Allies (as "Harvard I") and Canada (as "Yale").

Throughout production, the AT-6's role, engine, and basic internal upgrades varied as needed. For example, AT-6C and D models are known to have completely redesigned interiors to compensate for the need for special metals elsewhere in the American war.

Specific character models include a shooting trainer platform and a multi-role actor. The T-6G appeared in a post-war stance with an all-new engine, an improved cockpit layout and a positionable tail wheel for improved ground handling characteristics.

In its basic design, the AT-6 has a two-seat glass canopy cockpit with students and instructors sitting side by side. The engine is mounted at the very forward end of the design, and the cantilevered wings are mounted low below the front of the cockpit. The tail ends with a single vertical tail. Forward visibility is acceptable but not ideal, although all-round visibility is more than adequate.

Designed primarily for training, the aircraft is up to the task, delivering operating speeds in excess of 200 mph and altitudes in excess of 20,000 feet and a range of 750 miles.

During World War II, the AT-6 was widely used by military departments around the world as the primary combat trainer, instructing thousands of pilots in the nuances of combat tactics and general flying. Weapons are optional due to the emphasis on flight training, but can include two forward-facing 7.62mm machine guns.

The Texans survived, taking part in the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam -- modified and in specialized form -- and as a front-line air control (FAC) system to support ground forces on the battlefield.

As collectors, warbird enthusiasts, and airshow fixtures, the T-6 still retains some air silhouettes in today's skies to some extent. Their durable construction, good flight characteristics and storied history temporarily ensure their future success.

Many Allied pilots during World War II can trace their flight training back to the development of this sophisticated machine.

North American T-6 Texas Spec

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