In 1935, North American developed the NA-16 aircraft, which initiated the development of a new generation of training aircraft. It was a two-seat, all-metal low-wing monoplane. Production of the improved BT-9 for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) and NJ-1 for the Navy began in 1936. In 1937, new versions BC-1 and SNJ with retractable undercarriage were developed. Following a change in the USAAC designation system, subsequent BC-1 versions were named AT-6 Texan. During the war, several variants of this aircraft were developed (including AT-6A, AT-6C and AT-6F).
The British became interested in Texans as early as 1937. Named Harvard, they were the first aircraft purchased by the RAF in the USA. Production of the AT-6 also began at the Canadian Noorduyn plant for RAF training schools in Canada. Many Polish pilots were also trained on Harvards in England and Canada.
Inexpensive to produce and operate, AT-6s facilitated the pilot’s transition to combat aircraft. Navigators, radio operators and air gunners were also trained on them. Including licensed production in Canada, Australia and Sweden, nearly 20,000 Texans of various versions were built.
After the war, Texans were massively withdrawn from service. However, the lack of new trainer types forced an unusual solution. In 1949, all existing AT-6s began to be brought back to the factory. After disassembly, the recovered components were thoroughly inspected. Then, from the best subassemblies, aircraft of the new T-6G version were assembled. In this way, over 2,600 T-6Gs were built in the USA and Canada, each containing parts from various old AT-6s. Between 1945 and 1959, Texans were delivered to approximately 50 countries. These aircraft were used not only for training but also as armed close support aircraft in local conflicts.
The exhibited T-6G, manufactured in 1949, was used in combat between 1954 and 1961 by the French Air Force in Algeria. It was transferred to the Museum’s collection in 1993.
| Wingspan | 12.81 m |
| Length | 8.99 m |
| Takeoff weight | 2550 kg |
| Maximum speed | 340 km/h |
| Ceiling | 7300 m |
| Range | 1400 km |
| Armament | Provision for underwing gun pods, light bombs or unguided rockets up to 200 kg |
| Engine | 9-cylinder radial, Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN1 Wasp with takeoff power of 600 hp (440 kW) and nominal power of 550 hp (405 kW) |
