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North American T-6F Texan I-FKVE (c/n 121-43045 built in 1944) landing at Turin/Aeritalia Airport during the “Giornata dell’Aria” air show on October 2, 2022. The Texan advanced trainer, used by various Allied air forces during World War II, was mass-built not only by North American Aviation but also, under licence, by the Canadian companies Noorduyn Aviation and Canadian Car & Foundry. After the war, it was also supplied to the nations that founded or joined NATO. The long history of the example illustrated began with the assignment of the USAF serial 44-82323 and its immediate delivery to the US Navy, which incorporated it with the designation SNJ-6 and the individual code (Boureau Number) 112082. Formally Accepted on July 7, 1944 and delivered four days later. It was based at Cabaniss Field, Pensacola, Corry Field, Columbus, Whiting Field, Litchfield Park Naval Air Stations and Facilities. Withdrawn from service on April 24, 1956, at 8,479 f/h. In 1960-1961 Força Aérea Brasileira bought a last batch of 20 SNJ-5 and SNJ-6 Texans from the US Navy to be operated aboard Minas Gerais (ex HMS Vengeance) aircraft carrier. Initially it joined the ranks of ELO 2, with 1712 serial number, as a training aircraft aboard the warship. Later it was assigned to the Esquadrilha de Fumaça military aerobatic team. In 1976 the aircraft received PT-KVE civil marks and, in 1980, it was named “Dragoes do Air” and painted with flames. Last noted in Brazil in 1984. Transferred to Germany in 2006 and restored to flying condition under the supervision of the German aviation authority with nationality markings D-FKVE and a certificate of airworthiness issued on 8 April 2016. Transferred to Europe in 2006 to be restored to flying condition under the supervision of the German aviation authority. Photographed by Augusto Laghi at Verona/Boscomantico Airport on November 7, 2015 with markings D-FKVE. Certificate of airworthiness issued on 8 April 2016. Repainted in Italian Air Force colors with fictitious identity MM53657 / SL-8 and re-registered I-FVKE in 2017. (Aeromedia)
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