North American T.6 Harvard Mk.II

A single-engined advanced trainer aircraft that was used to train pilots during and after WW2, the T-6 is known by different designations depending on the aircraft model and the operating air force. The US Army Air Force designated it the 'AT-6', the US Navy as the 'SNJ', and the various British Commonwealth air forces as the 'Harvard', the name by which it is best known outside the USA. In 1946 the US Air Force changed its designation to simply 'T-6', and the US Navy followed suit in 1962.

Harvard '78 in its distinctive full yellow livery at Omaka Aerodrome, Blenheim (NZ).  Photo: © Les Bushell

 Year: 1935  Built: 15,495  Serial: NZ1078  Registration: ZK-ENG  Top Speed: 335 km/h at 1,500m  Wingspan: 13.0m  Height: 3.56m  Length:8.8m Engine: 600hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial Ceiling: 7,400m  Range: 1,170km Armament: provision for up to three 7.62mm (0.30in) machine guns, and up to 250lb of bombs in some cases 

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    • In December 1939, 105 Harvards were allocated to the RNZAF as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme and these began arriving in March 1941. More deliveries in May 1941 saw a total of 60 aircraft in service with No. 1 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) at Wigram (Christchurch) and No. 2 SFTS at Woodbourne (Blenheim). A third shipment in early 1942 went to No. 3 SFTS at Ohakea (Manawatu), and in total the RNZAF operated 202 examples of the Harvard from 1941 to 1977 in a broad range of training roles.

    Over time, several variants of the T-6 were operated by the RNZAF, including the Harvard I, II, and III models. These variants had differences in their engines and other specifications, but all maintained the core design and functionality suited for training.

    After World War II, the Harvards continued to be a backbone of the RNZAF's training fleet. They were used for a variety of training missions, including advanced flight training, aerobatics, and even in weapons training, helping pilots to develop a wide range of flying skills.

    The New Zealands Warbird Association Harvard (T-6 Texan) display team show their stuff at the Classic Fighters 2007 airshow held at Omaka Aerodrome, Blenheim, New Zealand.

    NZ1078 arrived in New Zealand in May 1944 and between Feb 1955-Nov 1956 it was operated by No.2 (TAF) Squadron. It was placed in storage in 1962 but it took part in the Harvard 30th Anniversary Flypast over Christchurch in 1971, and later the final ever Harvard Flypast over Christchurch in June 1977. Declared surplus to requirements the aircraft was sold in 1978, and after having several private owners was purchased by the Harvard 78 Syndicate.

    Another shot of Harvard '78 during a display at Omaka Aerodrome'.  Photo: © Les Bushell

    The robustness and reliability of the Harvard made it ideal for training, allowing pilots to gain experience in a plane that was challenging yet forgiving, perfectly suited for honing their flying skills. This is also the reason that the type has become a favourite of warbird pilots in general.

    More Videos:

    • Roaring 40s At Warbirds Over Wanaka

    • Roaring 40s At Wings Over Wairarapa

    • Practicing Formation Flying In Harvards

    • RNZAF's 75th Birthday At Ohakea


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