North American T-6G Texan

Design of what would become North American’s most successful and long lasting program began in 1935 as a basic trainer for the Army Air Corps.  Over the next few years the aircraft evolved into the famous AT-6 Texan.  Several versions of the aircraft entered service between 1936 and 1939 when the version designated AT-6 first appeared.  More pilots trained in the Texan than in any other single type of aircraft during World War II.  They were used by the U.S. Army and the Navy as well as many foreign nations.  Over 21,000 aircraft were built between 1935 and 1946.  In 1949, the U.S. Air Force began a program to remanufacture existing T-6 airframes into the T-6G.  Aircraft were brought to North American’s Downey, California plant and completely disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled with new engines, propellers, and instruments.  The aircraft were all given new serial numbers and returned to serve for many more years.

Service History

Built by North American Aviation, Dallas, Texas and received by the USAAF on April 13, 1942 as AT-6B serial number 41-17246.

April 1942                   To 3028^th AAF Base Unit (Advanced Single-Engine Pilot School, AAF Western Flying Training Command,) Luke AAF and Gila Bend AAF, Arizona.

November 1944          To 3011^th AAF Base Unit (AAFWFTC), Ajo AAF, Arizona.

December 1945           To Los Palo, California and disposed as surplus.

Remanufactured by North American Aviation, Downey, California and delivered to the USAF on March 23, 1950 as 49-2908.

March 1950                 To 3595^th Pilot Training Wing, Las Vegas AFB, Nevada.

June 1950                    To 3565^th Basic Pilot Training Wing, James Connally AFB, Texas.

October 1951              To 3305^th Pilot Training Squadron, Malden Airport, Missouri.

June 1956                    To Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona for storage.

October 1957              Dropped from inventory as surplus.

1972                            Loaned to Pima Air & Space Museum by the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Manufacturer
North American

Markings
3028^th AAF Base Unit, Luke Army Air Field, Arizona, 1942

Designation
T-6G

Serial Number
49-2908