North American NA-16-5
North American Aviation · United States · first flew 1940 · light aircraft
The North American NA-16-5 was an export trainer variant within North American's NA-16 family, which was the developmental series that led to the famous Harvard (T-6 Texan) advanced trainer. It was supplied to foreign customers as part of North American's extensive trainer export programme.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.76 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Export trainer variant of the NA-16 family
- Tandem two-seat low-wing monoplane trainer
- Part of the lineage leading to the Harvard/T-6 Texan
A low-wing two-seat monoplane trainer with a radial engine, tandem cockpits with a long greenhouse canopy, and retractable undercarriage; nearly identical to the T-6 Texan/Harvard in external appearance.
Specifications
- The North American NA-16-5 has a length of 8.76 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.8 m (42 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 305 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The NA-16 series began in 1935 and was continuously refined through many variants until crystallising as the T-6 Texan/Harvard. The NA-16-5 was one of several export variants produced around 1940 for allied air forces. The family as a whole trained more pilots than any other aircraft in history, serving with virtually every Allied air force in World War II.
Variants
The NA-16 series encompasses dozens of variants; the NA-16-5 was one specific export model; variants differed in engine, armament, and undercarriage configuration.
Where you'll see it
Supplied to export customers; the broader NA-16/T-6 family served with air forces worldwide including the RAF, RCAF, RAAF, and SAAF.
Related aircraft
- North American NA-64 Yale
- North American PBJ-1 Mitchell
- P-51 Mustang
- Harvard I
- Airspeed AS.39 Fleet Shadower
- Beriev KOR-2
- Curtiss-Wright CW-22
- Fairchild F-24W-40
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