North American T-6 Texan – Photos & Video

Source: Wikipedia

The North American T-6 Texan was a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces, the United States Navy, the Royal Air Force and other air forces of the British Commonwealth during World War II and into the 1970s. It was designed by North American Aviation in 1935 and first flew in 1936. The T-6 was known by a variety of names depending on the model and operating air force. The USAAC and USAAF designated it as the AT-6, the US Navy as the SNJ, and British Commonwealth air forces as the Harvard. The T-6 was used to train pilots for fighter aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang and the Spitfire. It was also used for combat missions in some countries, such as counter-insurgency operations in Algeria and Vietnam. The T-6 had a low-wing monoplane configuration with retractable landing gear and a two-seat cockpit with dual controls. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine that produced 600 horsepower. It had a maximum speed of 208 mph and a range of 730 miles. The T-6 was armed with two .30 caliber machine guns in the nose and could carry up to 200 pounds of bombs or rockets under the wings. The T-6 was a versatile and reliable aircraft that earned the respect of pilots and instructors alike. It was one of the most produced aircraft of all time, with over 15,000 units built in various versions.