North American SNJ-4 Texan

Known to the United States Navy as the SNJ, the United States Army Air Forces as the AT-6 Texan, and throughout much of the Commonwealth as the Harvard, this remarkable aircraft earned the nickname 'The Pilot Maker.' Thousands of Allied pilots learnt advanced flying skills in aircraft just like this before progressing to legendary fighters including the Mustang, Corsair and Spitfire.

VH-NAG was built in 1942 and entered service with the United States Navy, training naval aviators at bases including Jacksonville, Vero Beach, Corpus Christi and Daytona Beach. Following the war, it served with the Paraguayan Air Force before eventually finding its way to Australia, where it underwent a painstaking restoration back to its wartime Navy configuration. Today it is proudly operated by Brisbane Biplanes on behalf of Texan Pty Ltd, preserving an important piece of aviation history.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engine producing 600 horsepower, the deep radial growl was once a familiar sound at military training bases around the world.

Although designed as a trainer, the Texan demanded respect. It was intentionally built to prepare students for high-performance fighters, teaching them formation flying, instrument flying, navigation, gunnery and advanced handling. It was an aeroplane that rewarded precision and punished complacency — earning the respect of generations of military pilots.

More than eighty years after it first took to the skies, VH-NAG continues to do exactly what it was built for — flying, inspiring and reminding us of the men and women who learnt their trade in aircraft just like this before serving around the world.

You can experience this magnificent aircraft for yourself with Brisbane Biplanes. Take to the skies from Charleville Airport in a genuine historic warbird and experience everything from scenic flights to exhilarating aerobatic joy flights with experienced display pilots. Flights will be available from Friday 11 to Monday 14 September.