Commemorative Air Force Presents
May 26-28, 2006
Wings of Freedom Airshow

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Airsho
ICAS Marketing Award Recipient 
Wings of Freedom won in small air show category: 1st in web site, 2nd in Program Guide, 2nd in Sponsor Kit, 3rd in TV Commercial.
 
 
Aircraft
Be sure to check out our Aerobatic Shows and find out more about the remote control aircraft.

AT-6 Texans
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Flyover
Static Display
Performance
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AT-6
The AT-6 advanced trainer was one of the most widely used aircraft in history. Evolving from the BC-1 basic combat trainer ordered in 1937, 15,495 Texans were built between 1938 and 1945. The USAAF procured 10,057 AT-6s; others went to the Navy as SNJs and to more than 30 Allied nations. Most AAF fighter pilots trained in AT-6s prior to graduation from flying school. Many of the "Spitfire" and "Hurricane" pilots in the Battle of Britain trained in Canada in "Harvards," the British version of the AT-6. To comply with neutrality laws, U.S. built Harvards were flown north to the border and were pushed across.

In 1948, Texans still in USAF service were redesignated as T-6s when the AT, BT and PT aircraft designations were abandoned. To meet an urgent need for close air support of ground forces in the Korean Conflict, T-6s flew "mosquito missions" spotting enemy troops and guns and marking them with smoke rockets for attack by fighter-bombers.

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 210 mph.
Cruising speed: 145 mph.
Range: 770 miles
Service Ceiling: 23,200 ft.
Photo Credits: Tony Evans
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Aircraft
Here are a few of the aircraft of the CAF

Vultee BT-1A Valiant
Vultee BT-13A Valiant Basic Trainer
All pilots, whether they were destined for fighters or bombers, had to go through the pilot training process. One of the most important aircraft for developing new pilot skills was the BT-13 Valiant, sometimes known as the "Vibrator" ~ not for what it did to you, but to the windows of buildings when it flew by.

Harvard Mk IV
Harvard Mk IV
The most important advanced pilot trainer of World War II was the AT-6 Texan. The aircraft was so good and so popular, that it was used by many different service branches and many different countries. Our aircraft was one of those licensed by Canadian Car and Foundry in Canada where it was known as the "Harvard"
Be sure to check out our Aerobatic Shows and find out more about the remote control aircraft.
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Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved. Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing
Background image collage and picture of L5 airplane by Tony Evans
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