Reno Air Races - T-6 Class
All of the T-6 variants are powered by the Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1340-AN-1 air-cooled radial engine, which develops about 600 horsepower, and they all have essentially the same airframe.
Originally built by North American Aviation, the 15,495 aircraft that were manufactured over the life of the model served primarily as advanced trainers, helping pilots bridge between basic trainers and front-line tactical aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang.
The fastest T-6 aircraft generally post race speeds into the 220-230 mph range on the 5.06-mile course at Reno.
Since there are restrictions on modifications to the airframe and power plant, all of the aircraft are raced in near-stock condition, and the focus is on race strategy and pilot skill rather than airframe or engine technology. This makes for some exciting and close racing.
Read MoreOriginally built by North American Aviation, the 15,495 aircraft that were manufactured over the life of the model served primarily as advanced trainers, helping pilots bridge between basic trainers and front-line tactical aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang.
The fastest T-6 aircraft generally post race speeds into the 220-230 mph range on the 5.06-mile course at Reno.
Since there are restrictions on modifications to the airframe and power plant, all of the aircraft are raced in near-stock condition, and the focus is on race strategy and pilot skill rather than airframe or engine technology. This makes for some exciting and close racing.
