North American AT-6G/SNJ-4 "Texan"

 

The North American AT-6/SNJ "Texan" was the typical advanced trainer for most Allied air forces from the beginning of World War 2 thru the mid 1950's. Built originally for the U.S. Army Air Corps, the "Texan" was also flown by the U.S. Navy as the SNJ (Navy aircraft designation: S = Scout, N =Trainer, J = the manufacturer, North American Aircraft). It also served in all of the British Commonwealth Air forces, China, and in several Central and South American countries as well. The AT-6's primary mission was as advanced trainer. It was usually the last step before a pilot was assigned to a fighter or attack squadron. The Australian Air Force modified the T-6 during the early stages of WW2 with additional .50 caliber guns to create the stopgap "Wirraway" fighter. In the Korean War, T-6 "Mosquitos" were used by the Air Force as spotter and tactical air control aircraft.

 

 

 

 

This particular plane is a T-6G. When the restoration is complete, it will be painted as a U.S. Navy SNJ-4 (shown above). It served as the utility (or hack) aircraft for Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-112 in the South Pacific. The paint scheme shows the plane as it appeared in late 1942.

 

General Characteristics
Length:	29 ft, 6 in
Height:	11 ft, 8 in
Wingspan:	42 ft, 1/4 in
Wing Area:	253.7 ft2
Empty weight:	4,158 lb
Loaded weight:	5,617 lb
Engine Manufacturer:	Pratt and Whitney
Engine Type:	R-1340-AN-1
Number of Cylinders:	Nine
Power:	550 hp
Performance Characteristics
Max speed:	208 mph at 5,000 ft
Cruise speed:	145 mph
Range:	750 miles
Service ceiling:	21,500 ft