The last step
before combat
The North American T-6 Texan — known in the Commonwealth as the Harvard — was the standard advanced trainer for Allied pilots during WWII. Pilots trained on the T-6 after completing basic training (on the Tiger Moth or Chipmunk) — it was the final step before flying a combat aircraft such as a Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang or Thunderbolt.
Designed by North American Aviation, over 15,000 examples were produced in all variants. The aircraft served in the air forces of more than 50 countries. In the "Harvard" variant it was the primary advanced trainer in Commonwealth air forces — British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand.
Polish pilots trained on Harvards at SFTS Newton (Service Flying Training School) in England. This was the last phase of training before assignment to a combat squadron. A pilot who had flown the Harvard — was ready for war.
4M variantHarvard 4M —
Canadian version
The 4M variant (also known as the T-6G in USAF nomenclature) is a late, improved version of the Harvard produced in Canada after WWII. Compared to wartime variants, improvements were made to the electrical, fuel and radio systems. The aircraft retained the same Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine and its distinctive, deep sound — inextricably associated with the warbird era.
The 4M variant was exported to many countries and served in military air forces through the 1950s and 60s. These examples — well-maintained and numerous — form the backbone of the world's flying Harvard fleet today.
Aircraft data
| Type | North American T-6 Harvard 4M |
| Registration | SP-YIX |
| Colour scheme | 602 Sqn (Aux) RAF |
| Arrived in Poland | 10 Sep 2017 |
| Base | Brzeska Wola (EPBI) |
Technical data
| Engine | P&W R-1340 Wasp |
| Power | 600 hp |
| Wingspan | 12.80 m |
| Length | 8.99 m |
| Max speed | 335 km/h |
10 September 2017 —
Harvard at Brzeska Wola (EPBI)
On Sunday 10 September 2017, Jacek Mainka flew with Krzysztof to Konstancin. The North American T-6 Harvard 4M SP-YIX joined the rest of the collection — becoming the fourth flying vintage aircraft in the fleet.
An advanced trainer used by the PAF — now within reach. I am somewhat terrified — this is a different scale, a different league. It is also the first time on "American territory".
Jacek Mainka — after SP-YIX arrived, September 2017The T-6 is a different league from the Tiger Moth or Chipmunk — heavy, loud, with a 600 hp radial engine. For a pilot used to a 130 hp Gipsy Major it is a real leap. This is precisely why the T-6 was the final stage before a combat aircraft — it taught discipline, precision and respect for speed.
The SP-YIX example carries the post-war colour scheme of 602 (Auxiliary) Squadron RAF — one of the oldest auxiliary squadrons of the Royal Air Force, famous for its participation in the Battle of Britain.
The aircraft is based at Brzeska Wola (EPBI) airport, alongside Tiger Moth T-7230 and Chipmunk SP-YAC — forming a unique collection of flying reminders of Polish airmen in the West.
