North American SNJ-5 Texan

The North American SNJ-5 Texan was a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft manufactured by North American Aviation. The SNJ-5 entered service in 1936 and was primarily used by the United States Navy during and after World War II to train pilots in preparation for more complex combat aircraft.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 radial engine, the SNJ-5 generated approximately 600 horsepower. It featured a wingspan of 42 feet, a length of 29 feet, and a maximum speed of about 208 miles per hour. The aircraft typically accommodated two crew—a student pilot and an instructor—and could be outfitted with a single .30 caliber machine gun and provisions for light training ordnance such as small bombs or smoke rockets.

The SNJ-5 was extensively utilized in Navy service for gunnery, formation flying, and carrier operations training. It helped pilots transition to more advanced fighters and bombers. Its relatively forgiving handling characteristics and robust construction made it ideal for repeated training in various scenarios.

Although the SNJ-5 was never intended for combat, it was occasionally employed in secondary roles such as liaison and utility flights. Because they resemble the Japanese Zero. Texans have been used in war films like "Tora! Tora! Tora!" and "Midway."