The Harvard was an advanced trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It was based on the AT-6 Texan and was built under license from North American by the Canadian Car & Foundry Company. The Texan first appeared in 1938 as a trainer for the US Army Air Corps. An advanced trainer was a WWII pilot's last training aircraft prior to flying actual combat warplanes. After the war AT-6s saw continued service as trainers even as light attack in the Korean War. By 1945 over 18,000 such aircraft had been built in several countries around the world.

Our Harvard Mk IV was one of 2,620 built in Canada to serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1951, John Bootsma trained in this Harvard. After the RCAF retired it, Bootsma bought his old trainer as military surplus. In 1987 the Combat Air Museum bought it from him.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Manufacturer: Canadian Car & Foundry
Basic Role: Combat trainer
Crew:
Engines: One 550-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 radial piston engine
Maximum speed: 205 mph (330 kph)
Cruising Speed:
Max. Range: 750 miles (1,207 kph)
Service Ceiling: 21,500 ft (6,553m)
Wingspan: 42ft 0.25 in (12.8m)
Length: 29ft. 6in (9.0m)
Height: 11ft. 9in (3.6m)
Wing area:
Weight (empty): 4,158 lbs (1,886 kg)
Weight (gross): Max Takeoff 5,300 lbs (2,404 kg)
Armament: None
Serial number: RCAF 20294