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T-6 "TEXAN"

World War II Era Advanced Trainer Aircraft

"NELLA"

TYPE

Fighter

MAX SPEED

208 MPH

CREW

2

CEILING

24,200 ft

RANGE

730 Miles

WINGSPAN

42 ft

SERVICE DATES

1942-1970s

NUMBER BUILT

15,495

LENGTH

29 ft

About The T-6

The T-6 "TEXAN" is a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces, the US Navy, the British Royal Air Force (RAF), the Royal Canadian Air Force, and others during World War II and continuing into the 1970s.

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The aircraft has several designations depending on model and air force. The US Army Air Force designated it the AT-6, the US Navy the SNJ, while British and Commonwealth forces refer to it as the Harvard. The US Air Force and Navy changed its designation from AT-6 to T-6 in 1962.

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Built by North American Aviation, the first prototype flew in 1935. While designed as a trainer, many AT-6's were repurposed for combat roles and served as fighters in various air forces around the world. T-6s saw service in Korea and Vietnam as forward control aircraft.

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The CAF WASP Squadron (Women Airforce Service Pilots) operates "Nella" the T-6 that tours with the AIrPower History Tour. "Nella" is named after "Fifinella", the mascot of the Woman Airforce Service Pilots. "Nella" was used to train WASP pilots at the all-female Avenger Field located in Sweetwater, Texas. WASPs flew Nella for training classes from 1943 until December 1944. She was the final check ride plane for some WASPs to receive their silver wings.

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Not as fast as a fighter, the T-6 was easy to maintain and repair, had more maneuverability, and was easier to handle. T-6s are able to perform various maneuvers as a "pilot's airplane" including, rolls, Immelmanns, loops, spins, snaps, and vertical rolls. The aircraft was designed to provide the best possible training in all types of fighter tactics from ground missions to aerial combat.

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WASP Pilots

WASPs or Women Airforce Service Pilots, were the first American women to pilot American military aircraft. WASPs made major contributions to war efforts by flying fighter and bomber aircraft from factories to military bases, conducting searchlight missions, towing targets for ammunition practice, and test-piloting new and repaired aircraft. WASPs also served as instructors for men who would go on to become fighter pilots.

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(1943) WAFS Squadron Pilots  Photo: US Air Force

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