Though it was primarily used for training purposes within the U.S. military, other allied militaries would eventually use the aircraft in combat roles.
US Army Air Forces, US Navy, and the British Royal Air Force used the AT-6/T-6 as a pilot and aerial gunner trainer during World War II. AT-6s were the aircraft used for the third and final phase of pursuit pilot training. The AT-6 aircraft are single- engine, low-wing monoplane trainers that allow the student and instructor to sit in tandem and could be fitted with bomb racks and reconnaissance cameras for additional training. Today, these aircraft are popular for airshow demonstrations.
In the late 1940s, Hill Air Force Base performed repairs and modifications on the T-6 aircraft and its components. In the mid-1950s, personnel at Hill Air Force Base stored older variants of the T-6.
The Museum’s supporting foundation contracted a restoration firm to restore the AT-6 on display, using parts acquired from several sources. In 1996, after restoration, staff placed this airframe on permanent display at the Hill Aerospace Museum.
Serial Number: 039
Manufacturer: North American Aviation
Primary Function: Flight Training
Crew: Two (Instructor & Student)
Engines: One Pratt & Whitney R-1340-49 radial; 600 horsepower
Wingspan: 42 ft
Length: 29 ft
Height: 11 ft 9 in
Weight: 3,900 lbs; Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5,700 lbs
Speed: 210 mph
Range: 750 miles
Service Ceiling: 24,200 ft
Armament: Two 0.3-in (7.72mm) machine guns, 1 fixed, 1 trainable
Cost: $25,672
Years of Service: 1935 – 1950s
In the late 1940s, Hill Air Force Base performed repairs and modifications on the AT-6 aircraft and its components. By the late 1950s, Air Material Command and Hill Air Force Base oversaw phasing out of servicing several aircraft, including some AT-6 trainers.
The AT-6A displayed was constructed by an aircraft restoration firm at the request of the Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah, using parts acquired from several sources. In 1996, it was put onto permanent display at Hill Aerospace Museum.
Though it was primarily used for training purposes within the U.S. military, other allied militaries would eventually use the aircraft in combat roles.
This aircraft was used primarily for advanced training of pilots for the U.S. Army Air Forces, U.S. Navy and Allied Air Forces.
The AT-6A Texan was upgraded with a 600hp engine, forward firing machine guns and removable fuel tanks.
15,495 were built by North American Aviation between 1935 and 1952.