The prototype of the North American NA-26 first flew in 1937 and was a retractable undercarriage version of the NA-16. It was subsequently built in large numbers in many different variants and was to have a long and popular career with many of the world’s air forces. The first production version was the BC-1 (177 built). BC stood for Basic Combat and this version was delivered from 1938 with a fabric covered fuselage. The BC-1A (93 built) introduced the metal covered fuselage and these aircraft were re-designated AT-6 (Advanced Trainer) in 1940. The AT-6 (94 built) was given the name Texan and was similar to the BC-1A. The AT-6A (1847 built), AT-6B (400 built) and AT-6C were similar, the AT-6B being used as a gunnery trainer. The AT-6D (4388 built) featured upgraded electrics and the first 440 were built using wood instead of aluminium in certain parts of the structure. The AT-6F (956 built) had a clear rear canopy and a strengthened airframe. The Harvard Mk.1 was a version of the BC-1 for the RAF and the Harvard Mk.11 was the RAF’s version of the AT-6. The Harvard Mk.111 was equivalent to the AT-6C and the Harvard Mk.11B (2610 built) was built by Noorduyn in Canada. Post war production continued in Canada with the Harvard Mk.4 (270 built) built by Canadian Car & Foundry for the RCAF and the similar T-6J (285 built) for distribution to other air forces through the Mutual Aid Program. The T-6G was a version which resulted from the rebuilding of various earlier variants with increased fuel capacity, new engine and steerable tailwheel among many other improvements. Versions which were built for service with the US Navy included the SNJ-1 (16 built), SNJ-2 (61 built), SNJ-3 which was equivalent to the AT-6A, SNJ-4 (2400 built), SNJ-5 (1357 built) including some examples designated SNJ-5C which had a tail hook for Carrier qualification training. The SNJ-6 (931 built) were actually re-designations of the majority of the AT-6F’s which had originally been destined for the US.Army. T-6G’s saw service in the FAC role during the Korean War and the type served with many air forces worldwide well into the 1970’s. Many hundreds have been restored as warbirds and are a popular and common sight at airshows worldwide. An AT-6C is illustrated below.

VH-USN                 c/n 88-17552                    USA

2 seat military trainer first flown in 1941

Engine: 550hp(410kW) P&W R-1340-AN-1 Wasp                                                                          Length: 29’6"(8.99m)                                                                                          Height: 11’9"(3.58m)Wingspan: 42’0"(12.8m)                                                                                               No.built: 2970 Range: 1118miles(1800km)                                                              Cruising speed: 170mph(273kmh) Empty weight: 4158lb(1886kg)                                              Maximum take-off weight: 5300lb(2404kg)

An AT-6D is shown below.

N29937              c/n 43-884                                  

An SNJ-5 is illustrated below.

     N3665F             c/n 84930                                       

An AT-6A is shown below.

         N88RT              c/n 2780                                            

A T-6G is shown below.