Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>T-6>HA1513
Harvard Mk II Trainer NZ1050, RNZAF, circa 1970s
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
In New Zealand Harvards served as primary, intermediate and advanced trainers for 36 years, going out of service in 1977. The RNZAF operated 203 Harvards. This example entered service in May 1941 and served at No.1 Flying Training School at Wigram and No.2 Service Flying Training School at Woodbourne. Post-War it became a ground instructional airframe at No. 1 Technical Training School at Hobsonville where it was used for airframe repair and painting trade training.
Specifications :
| Manufacturer: | North American Aviation |
| Purpose: | Originally an 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 |