North American T-6G Texan
North American Aviation · United States · first flew 1949 · light aircraft
The North American T-6G Texan is the final major remanufactured variant of the iconic T-6/Harvard trainer series, rebuilt from earlier production airframes to updated standards with improved avionics, a new electrical system, and revised cockpit instrumentation for post-war training requirements.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.99 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Late-production T-6 remanufacture with updated avionics and equipment
- Classic tandem-seat advanced trainer with large radial engine
- Distinctive rumbling sound of the Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial
The large round radial engine cowling and the distinctive inward-retracting main undercarriage legs are the key recognition features; the tandem cockpit with individual canopies is also characteristic.
Specifications
- The North American T-6G Texan has a length of 8.99 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.8 m (42 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 335 km/h (208 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Over 15,000 T-6 Texans were built in various forms during and after World War II, training the majority of Allied pilots. The T-6G designation covered aircraft remanufactured from 1949 onwards to extend the type's service life during the Korean War era, when trainer production capacity was needed for the conflict.
Variants
The T-6 series includes the BC-1, AT-6A through AT-6F, T-6D, T-6F, and the T-6G remanufacture. The Harvard Mk IV was the contemporary Canadian-built equivalent. The SNJ was the US Navy designation.
Where you'll see it
The T-6G served with dozens of air forces through the 1950s and 1960s; many nations used the type for counter-insurgency as well as training. Examples remain airworthy with warbird operators and air forces to this day.
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