AT-6B Texan

Serial Number 41-17372

The North American AT-6 Texan was one of the most widely used advanced pilot trainers of World War II. AT-6 production began in 1939 and continued until 1944. The AT-6 was a modern cantilever monoplane that incorporated the complexities of a fighter into the relative stability of a trainer. As World War II intensified, so did the demand for the AT-6.   The Texan was quickly tasked with new training missions, such as gunnery, navigation, and reconnaissance. After World War II, the AT-6 was retasked for the Korean War, flying 40,354 “Mosquito Missions” to spot and mark enemy targets. In the mid-1950s, AT-6s were assigned to National Guard units before retirement. Today, many AT-6 variants are flown by civilians, a “Warbird” favorite at air shows and fly-ins.

HISTORY

Manufactured by North American Aviation, Dallas TX and received by the USAAF on 27 May 1942.

May 1942 --To AAF Single-Engine Flying Training School (Air Training Command), Luke AAF AZ

Apr 1944 --To 3026th AAF Base Unit (Single-Engine Advanced Pilot School, ATC), Mercer AAF CA

Jun 1944 -- To 3008th AAF Base Unit (Technical School, ATC), Minter AAF CA

Oct 1945 -- To Ontario CA and disposed as surplus

This aircraft is on loan to the Chanute Air Museum from the National Museum of the United States Air Force.