Our North American SNJ-5 is a 1943 WWII veteran. The SNJ is better known as the Army AT-6 or the British Harvard. Most people call it a “T-6.” Most of the SNJ’s and AT-6’s were manufactured in the Dallas Texas North American factory.  For this reason, the AT-6 is also called the “Texan.” It was also nicknamed the "Pilot Maker" as it was the 2-place advanced trainer that nearly every WWII pilot had to learn combat flying maneuvers in. The Navy also added tail hooks to some of the SNJ’s and used them for carrier training.
 
This advanced trainer was the last plane our fighter pilots flew before moving on to the P-51, P-40, Corsair and other single seat fighters. The Navy used the SNJ for pilot training as well as gunnery training. This SNJ has a rear “flex gun,” which is a Browning ANM2 30 Caliber machine gun.
 
The AT-6 was used by 24 other nations to train their pilots, and was used in actual air to air and air to ground combat by many of those countries. The USA did not use this plane for actual combat until the Korean War, where it proved itself very well. Two (2) fixed Browning ANM2 30 cal machine guns in the wing and right front cowling, plus another rear gunner “flexible” gun gave the SNJ plenty of firepower. The SNJ was also designed to handle bombs and rockets.
 
The 9 cylinder Supercharged 600 HP Pratt & Whitney "Wasp" radial engine coupled with a Hamilton-Standard propeller gives this Warbird plenty of power ... and a very distinctive sound...as the prop tips go super-sonic at high power. The SNJ has a top speed of 225MPH and burns an average of 32 gallons per hour. Stall speed is a low 68 MPH with full flaps extended.

​The Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit, tax-exempt historical and educational organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

FUN FACTS

• This North American SNJ-5 is a 1943 WW2 Navy veteran. The Navy SNJ is also known as the Army AT-6 or the British Harvard. Most people just call it a “T-6”

• This 80 year old SNJ-5 is owned by the Commemorative Air Force flying museum, commonly referred to as the CAF, and is maintained in flying condition for public exhibition and education, and to carry out the CAF mission to educate, inspire and honor the many military aviation men and women who have fought to keep our country free.

• The CAF is home to over 180 warbirds including the famous B-29 “FiFi”. CAF aircraft are scattered all over the world in CAF Squadrons and Wings.

• Most of the SNJ’s and AT-6’s were manufactured in the Dallas Texas North American factory. For this reason, the AT-6 is also called the “Texan”

• This advanced trainer was the last plane our fighter pilots flew before moving on to the P51, P40, Corsair and other single seat fighters. Many pilots also went on to fly bombers and transports.

• The Wisconsin Wing of the CAF keeps this SNJ hangared at the Waukesha County Airport. There are five (5) CAF pilots at the WI Wing that regularly fly this warbird. Gary Otto is flying the SNJ today.

• The Navy used the SNJ for pilot training as well as gunnery training. This SNJ has a wing gun and a rear “flex gun”, which are both Browning ANM2 30 Caliber machine guns, giving the SNJ plenty of firepower. A nose gun was also an option.

• The North American "Texan" was also nicknamed the "Pilot Maker" as it was the 2- place advanced trainer that nearly every WWII pilot had to learn combat flying maneuvers in. The Navy also added tail hooks to some of the SNJ’s and used them for carrier training.

• The SNJ/AT-6 was used by 24 other nations to train their pilots, and was used in actual air to air and air to ground combat by many of those countries. The USA did not use this plane for actual combat until the Korean war, where it proved itself very well.

• The SNJ was also designed to handle bombs, rockets and a machine gun pod.

• The 9 cylinder Supercharged 600 HP Pratt & Whitney "Wasp" radial engine coupled with a Hamilton-Standard propeller gives this Warbird plenty of power ... and a very distinctive sound...as the prop tips go super-sonic at high RPM settings.

• The SNJ has a top speed of 225MPH and burns an average of 34 gallons per hour.

• Stall speed is a low 68 MPH with full flaps extended.

• The CAF’s North American SNJ "Texan" preserves a valuable part of our aviation heritage and draws lots of attention wherever it appears. The WI Wing is planning to offer rides for sale in this warbird in the near future! Checkout on line at www.cafwi.org or ask a Wing member.

• You too can support the mission of the Commemorative Air Force and join the CAF Wisconsin Wing. All members are commissioned as Colonels and help in many ways to keep these historical aircraft flying.

Talk to any CAF member or check out the website if you are interested in joining. Be a Colonel! Get involved!