This is our SNJ-5 “Texan” appearing at a recent EAA/CAF Airshow at Camarillo, CA Airport.
The North American “Texan” was first produced in 1938 and was known as the BC-1 (Basic Combat). The designation was later changed to AT-6 (Advanced Trainer). The Navy version was known as the SNJ, while the RAF and RCAF called it the “Harvard.” More than 10,000 of these aircraft were built during WWII. Practically all Air Force and Navy pilots received their training in this type of aircraft.
Our aircraft is an SNJ-5, and was originally built for the U.S. Navy. It eventually went to Japan, where it served as part of their post-war armed service. In 1979 it returned to the U.S. and was flown by several civilian owners. The CAF obtained the plane in 1984. It is painted in the markings of a training plane as used by BTU-3 at Sanfley Field, Florida in 1954-55.
Crew Chief:
SNJ-5 Crew: Alex Ferrasci, Gary Koch.
Specifications Norht American SNJ-5 Texan
Manufacturer: North American
Base model: SNJ
Designation: SNJ
Version: -5
Nickname: Texan (Canada/Gt. Britain – Harvard)
Equivalent to: AT-6D AT6DAT-6D
Service: U.S. Navy / Marines
Basic role: Scout trainer
Designation Period: 1939-1948
Crew: Instructor & Pupil
Specifications:
Length: 29′ 5″ 8.9 m
Height: 11′ 8.5″ 3.5 m
Wingspan: 42′ 0″ 12.8 m
Wingarea: 254.0 sq ft 23.5 sq m
Empty Weight: 4,158 lb 1,885 kg
Gross Weight: 5,300 lb 2,403 kg
Propulsion:
No. of Engines: 1
Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1
Horsepower: 600
Performance:
Range: 750 miles (1,207 km )
Cruise Speed: 170 mph (273 km/h 147 kt)
Max Speed: 205 mph (330 km/h 178 kt)
Climb: 1,200 ft/min (365 m/min)
Ceiling: 21,500 ft (6,552 m)
