North American T.6 Harvard

Developed in the mid-1930s, the Harvard was specifically designed as an advanced trainer that had all the attributes, and much of the equipment of a modern combat aircraft. The rapid increase in the need for training aircraft early in WW2 both in the United States and in Britain, led to large orders being placed for the Harvard.

Harvard '98 taxis past prior to a display at Classic Fightrers, 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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    • The familiar sound of the Harvard is known worldwide, with almost all the air forces around the world, including those of Japan and Germany having flown the type at one time or another.

    Built in 1942 as a Harvard Mk.III, this aircraft (s/n 42-85229) was transferred from the US Army Air Force to the Royal Air Force in October 1943 and was given the new serial number EZ455. A further serial change occured in October 1944 when the aircraft was taken on strength by the Royal New Zealand Air Force with s/n NZ1098. The current colour scheme of this aircraft, with its red checkerboard cowling, is the one worn by the original RNZAF 'Red Checkers' aerobatic display team which was formed in 1967. The Harvard-based Red Checkers displayed until the oil shock in 1973 saw the team disbanded (due to financial restrictions).

    The Harvard was the last World War 2 aircraft to see service with the RNZAF, and after their retirement and disposal in 1977/78 many of those aircraft became the nucleus of the nascent New Zealand Warbirds Association.

    The Roaring 40's Harvard display team are shown here during their formation aerobatics display at the Classic Fighters 2001 airshow in Blenheim, New Zealand.

    During World War II, over 5,000 Harvards weer supplied to British and Commonwealth Air Forces. The type's significant production numbers made it one of the most widely built trainer aircraft of the war era.

    Harvard '98 returning fromit's display at Classic Fighters.  Photo: © Les Bushell

    The Harvard aircraft holds a significant place in New Zealand's aviation heritage. Its distinctive engine noise, often described as a "roar" or "growl," is well-remembered and recognized by aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike. The many Harvards hthat ave been preserved and are still flown at air shows like NZ1098, serve as a living tribute to New Zealand's aviation history and the generations of pilots who trained on these aircraft.

    More Videos:

    • Onboard Video During Practice

    • Roaring 40's Harvard Team At Omaka In 2005

    • Roaring 40s At Ardmore Airport In 2012

    • DDay Anniversary Display Day At Ardmore


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