North American Harvard IV

The T-6 Texan, known as the Harvard in British and Canadian service, was a wartime single engine advanced trainer developed by North American Aviation. Around 15,500 Texans were eventually constructed following the type's first flight in April 1935, and it is a testament to the type’s abilities that the final Harvard on the British military register was not retired until 2016.  

Over 65 nations operated the Texan as a primary trainer however some also used the T-6 for close air support and ground attack missions including the RAF who used the Harvard against the Mau Mau in Kenya during the 1950s. The Harvard Mk IV was built by the Canadian Car & Foundry and has been owned by Navy Wings since 2020. The airframe was previously used by the Portuguese Air Force in what is now Mozambique. 

Navy Wings will be providing their Harvard Mk IV for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo in support of its Seafire, which will also be appearing as part of our ‘Fighter Meet’ theme. 

Photo Credit: Tom Jones