North American T-6G “Texan”
The North American “Texan” began service as the AT-6, an advanced trainer during WWII, and served with the USAAF, USN, and Royal Canadian Air Forces where it was known as the “Harvard.” Introduced in 1938, a total of 15,495 Texans were built during the war years, with 10,057 AT-6s going to the USAAF. In 1948 the aircraft was designated by the USAF as the T-6, where it was serving as the primary trainer for aviation students. During the Korean War, the aircraft saw service as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) craft, carrying smoke-rockets under the wing for marking targets for fighter-bombers. After the WWII many of the aircraft were overhauled and upgraded to the T-6G configuration, which included updated avionics, and a new canopy that provided better visibility. The T-6 remained in USAF service until 1955.
T-6G S/N 51-15124 was remanufactured and delivered with its new serial number to the Air Force on October 9, 1952 at the North American Aviation plant, Columbus, Ohio. It was assigned to the 3545th Pilot Training Wing (ATC), Goodfellow AFB, Texas on October 10, 1952. On January 24, 1953 it was transferred to the 3310th Tac Training Wing, Scott AFB, Illinois, where it remained until October 23, 1953 when it was transferred to Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. For a brief period it was assigned to the Mobile Air Material Area, (AMC), Brookley AFB, Alabama, before being returned to Davis Monthan in December 1954. There is no subsequent history of the aircraft in USAF records. The aircraft was acquired at a later date, along with several others, from which several T-6 aircraft were made airworthy. 51-15124 contributed its serviceable components and became a display aircraft made up of components from several unairworthy aircraft. Although complete, it is not restored to flyable condition. It was placed on display in May 1994.
Specifications
Crew: Pilot & Passenger
Power Plant
One Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial, rated at 600 hp (447 kW)
Dimensions
Span: 42 ft 0 in (12.8 m)
Length: 29 ft (8.8 m)
Height: 11 ft 9 in (3.6 m)
Performance
Max. Speed: 205 mph (330 km/h) at 5,000 ft (1525 m)
Service Ceiling: 21,500 ft (6,553 m)
Range: 750 miles (1,207 km)
Armament
(W.W. II) One .30 caliber m/g on cowling; one .30 cal. m/g in right wing panel; provisions for one flexible .30 cal. m/g in the rear cockpit.
THIS AIRCRAFT IS ON LOAN FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE