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The AT-6 advanced trainer was one of the most widely used aircraft in
history. Evolving from the BC-1 basic combat trainer ordered in 1937,
15,495 Texans were built between 1938 and 1945. The USAAF procured 10,057
AT-6s; others went to the Navy as SNJs and to more than 30 Allied nations.
Most AAF fighter pilots trained in AT-6s prior to graduation from flying
school. Many of the "Spitfire" and "Hurricane" pilots
in the Battle of Britain trained in Canada in "Harvards", the
British version of the AT-6. To comply with neutrally laws, U.S. built
Harvards were flown north to the border and were pushed across.
In 1948,
Texans still in USAF service were redesignated as T-6s when the AT, BT
and PT aircraft designations were abandoned. To meet an urgent
need for close air support of ground forces in the Korean Conflict, T-6s
flew "mosquito missions" spotting enemy troops and guns and
marking them with smoke rockets for attack by fighter-bombers.
Robins
AFB provided depot repair and logistics support for all T-6s operating
at the numerous training bases in the Southeast during WWII. The T-6G
on display was delivered to the 3545th Basic Pilot Training Wing at
Goodfellow AFB, TX in March 1951. It served at various locations before
being removed
from service in 1957. It was then provided to the Spanish Air Force
under the Military Assistance Program where it flew until the early 1980s
when
it was retired. The Museum acquired the aircraft through disposal channels
in 1984 when it was delivered to Robins AFB for preservation and display.
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