T6A TEXAN II

This T-6A Texan II is based out of NAS Pensacola Florida, home of the Blue Angels, and is part of Training Squadron Ten. (VT-10) The “Wildcats” of VT-10 are responsible for the introductory primary training of all Student Naval Flight Officers. They are used to teach the basics of aviation including navigation, communication, formation, and other navy tactics before they move on to their advanced training.

According to the Air Force, the stepped-tandem seating in the single cockpit makes the student and instructor positions interchangeable. A pilot may also fly the aircraft along from the front seat. The T-6A has a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68 turbo-prop engine that delivers 1,100 horsepower. Because of its excellent thrust-to-weight ratio, the aircraft can perform an initial climb of 3,100 feet (944.8 meters) per minute and can reach 18,000 feet (5,486.4 meters) in less than six minutes.