Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>T-6>HA1504
AT-6A Texan X-524, Army Air Corps training base at Luke Field, Arizona 1942
General Background
The T-6 trainer was one of the most important aircrafts of all time. It was used by 34 countries with a total of 17,096 built. An estimation of over 100,000 U.S. military pilots flew these aircraft.
It was in late 1930's North American Aviation began to deliver the T-6 Texan for the USAAF and the SNJ version for the USN. The Texan got its name because of production in the Dallas, Texas plant of North America. It was known as the "Harvard" for those built in Canada.
Though basically built as a trainer aircraft, the T-6 was used in multiple roles include interceptor, fighter bomber and counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft during the conflicts of WWII, the Korea War and the Vietnam War. It was also extensively used by the civilians for different purposes. Despite all these, T-6 was still best known as a universal trainer - the Pilot Maker.
It was in late 1930's North American Aviation began to deliver the T-6 Texan for the USAAF and the SNJ version for the USN. The Texan got its name because of production in the Dallas, Texas plant of North America. It was known as the "Harvard" for those built in Canada.
Though basically built as a trainer aircraft, the T-6 was used in multiple roles include interceptor, fighter bomber and counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft during the conflicts of WWII, the Korea War and the Vietnam War. It was also extensively used by the civilians for different purposes. Despite all these, T-6 was still best known as a universal trainer - the Pilot Maker.
The Aircraft
During WWII approximately 1,847 AT-6A were produced. Luke Field AT-6A's were bare metal with red/white rudder stripes, horizontal cowl stripes, black anti-glare panels and a fuselage code X and 3 numbers. An estimated 17,000 pilots were trained at Luke on the AT-6A and other aircraft. The field is named after WWI ace 2nd Lt. F. Luke Jr. who posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for 18 confirmed victories in 17 days. Wounded he landed behind enemy lines and rather than surrender Luke drew his revolver and during the encounter was killed.
Specifications :
| Manufacturer: | North American Aviation |
| Purpose: | Advanced Trainer |
| Powerplant: | 600 HP Pratt and Whitney R-1340-AN-1 |
| Length: | 29 ft. 6 in. |
| Wing Span: | 42 ft. |
| Height: | 11 ft. 9 in. |
| Maximum Speed: | 205 MPH |
| Cruising Speed: | 170 MPH |
| Service Ceiling: | 21, 500 ft. |
| Range: | 750 mi. |
| Weight: | Empty 4,158 lb. / Maximum 5,300 lb. |
| Average Fuel Consumption: | 30 GPH |
| Armament: | Allowance made for 1 x 0.30 in. (7.62 mm) Machine Gun |