dc.description.abstract | The goal of my thesis was to use all of my
design, illustration and photographic skills to
create an excellent interactive CD on the North
American T-6. The most widespread and ver
satile training aircraft ever built, the T-6 was
used by more air forces world-wide than any
other. A brilliant concept developed and mod
ified throughout a decade resulted in more
than 17,000 flying machines, of which, more
than 600 are still flying fifty years later.
The best loved and most remembered single
engine training aircraft of all time, the T-6 was
an adaptable, rugged aircraft that performed
in the unexpected roles of fighter aircraft, dive-bomber,
COIN airplane, and ground attack
machine. Now, most commonly seen at air dis
plays and air races the T-6 is esteemed by stunt
aces and formation teams alike, but best
remembered as the aircraft that spawned
eral generations of young pilots in countries as
diverse as Brazil and the Soviet Union.
This ubiquitous aircraft had almost as many
official destinations and names as it had uses
and users. The NA-26, BC-1, NA-44, AT-6,
SNJ, Texan, J- Bird, Harvard, Wirraway, Ceres
and a host of other variants, marks and modifications to the same standard design proliferated down the years as engines and concepts
were altered around the same basic airframe.
Yet, all of these aircraft are manifestations of
one- the North American T-6.
Many facets of this hugely versatile aircraft's
repertoire have been covered within the limited
format of a CD. While it is obvious that not
every aspect of the T-6 could be encompassed,
every effort has been made to include a broad
range of subjects.
Through my research, I have contacted muse
ums, flying teams, individual owners, and
enthusiasts from all across North America. All
parties interviewed were more than eager to
share their vast knowledge of the T-6. | en_US |