The prototype NA-16 was the sire of over 17,000 U.S.-built and over 4500 license-built trainers. The AT-6, T-6, SNJ, Harvard series is almost as widely known as the DC-3. The -original fixed gear NA-16 first flew in April 1935. The higher powered NA-26 with retractable landing gear dates from 1937. Production continued through World War II and into the 1950's. Fighter and light attack versions were built in the U.S. and Australia. USAF T-6's were not phased out of service until 1956. As late as 1986, over 30 different airforces and navies still operated T-6/SNJ trainers.

The Museum's T-6G is a rebuilt AT-6C (AAF 42-3890) of 1942, redelivered by North American's Downey, CA, plant in May 1951. It served with USAF Training Command at Spence Air Force Base, Georgia, from June 1951 until retired to Davis Monthan in March 1955. First registered as N9882C in March 1959, it was damaged in an accident in 1961 and stored until rebuilt in 1985. Now registered N-85JR, this T-6G joined the Museum in 1986 and has been painted as an SNJ of the Minneapolis Naval Air Reserve.