North American SNJ Texan

The North American SNJ Texan, built by North American Aviation, was the United States Navy’s version of the famous AT‑6 Texan advanced trainer. First flown in 1939, the SNJ entered service in 1940 and went on to serve throughout World War II, the Korean War and into the early jet era. Over 7,500 examples were produced, including SNJ‑1, SNJ‑2, SNJ‑3 and SNJ‑4 variants, each adapting the basic airframe to naval requirements such as a reinforced airframe, larger tail‑wheel, and provision for catapult launch and arrested recovery. Powered by a 600‑horsepower Pratt & Whitney R‑985 radial engine, the aircraft featured a low‑wing monoplane design, all‑metal stressed‑skin construction, and a cockpit equipped with dual controls, an onboard radio and a trainer‑friendly instrument panel. Its handling characteristics closely mimicked those of front‑line fighters, giving pilots a reliable bridge from basic flight training to high‑performance combat aircraft. The SNJ’s durability, ease of maintenance and forgiving flight envelope made it a cornerstone of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilot training programs, and it continued to influence trainer design worldwide long after its retirement. Many surplus SNJs were sold to operators, where they served as aerobatic performers and museum pieces, preserving the legacy of a classic trainer.