Hobby Master Archive

variant of the same airframe. They were AT-6, Harvards, Yale, Texan, SNJ, Wirraway and a few others. These planes were fully aerobatic and could present the student pilot with some situations where he learned to do things correctly or else. These planes were the stepping stones to the more advanced Spitfires and Mustangs of this era. From the 1930s to the 1960s the Harvard was not limited to just the training role. It was also used as a combat aircraft and became part of almost every major power inventory. Like the Huey helicopter the Harvard had its own distinctive sound caused by the propeller tips going supersonic.

In 1948 Switzerland bought forty surplus Canadian built AT-16 Harvard IIBs serials from U-301 to U-340, U-331 was ex-RAF FE449. These aircraft were used as advanced trainers to introduce new pilots to instrument flying. The rear cockpit could be completely covered making it necessary for the trainee to rely on his instruments. After 20 years the AT-16s were wearing out and parts were scarce so the Plitaus P-3 replaced the AT-16s. Of the original 40 aircraft 5 were lost to accidents but one was rebuilt and is on display at the Swiss Air Force Museum in Dubendorf. Five were sold to Austria and Great Britain with the remainder being scrapped and the engines sold to the U.S..

SPECIFICATIONS (HARVARD MK II)

PERFORMANCE Powerplant- Supercharged Pratt & Whitney R-1340-S3H1 radial piston engine, 600 hp @ 2250 rpm Maximum Speed - 156 knots Initial Climb Rate - 1,359 ft/minute Range - 740 miles Endurance - 8 hours Service Ceiling - 22,000 ft Fuel Consumption - 30 gallons/ hr @ 10,000 ft WEIGHT Empty - 3,995 lbs Maximum take-off - 5,750 lbs DIMENSIONS Length - 8ft 11in Wing Span - 42ft Height - 9ft 9in

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1523 AT-16 Harvard U-331, Swiss Air Force, 1960s

Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic. Very collectable