North American T-6G 'Texan'
The North American T-6G 'Texan' began service as an advanced trainer, and served with the USAAF, USN, and Royal Canadian Air Forces where it was known as the 'Harvard'. It was introduced in 1938, replacing the North American BC-1 (Basic Combat) trainer. Over 10,000 aircraft of various designations would be produced for the Air Force. At the end of World War II, the T-6 became 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 war, many of the aircraft were overhauled and modified to the T-6G configuration, which included updated avionics, and a new canopy which provided clearer visibility. The T-6 was finally phased out of USAF service in 1955.
T-6G S/N 51-15124 was delivered 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 transfered to the 3310th Tac Training Wing, Scott AFB, Illinois, where it remained until October 23, 1953 when it was transfered 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 aquired at a later date, along with several others, to restore several T-6 aircraft to airworth condition. 51-15124 was used for serviceable components; and a display aircraft was 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: Two.
Power Plant: One Pratt-Whitney R-1340 radial engine, rated at 600 hp.
Dimensions:
Span: 42 ft 0 in.
Length: 29 ft.
Height: 11 ft 9 in.
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 rear cockpit.
Performance:
Max. Speed: 205 mph at 5,000 ft.
Service Ceiling: 21,500 ft.
Range: 750 miles.
