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The AT-6 Texan bears a U fuselage code indicating that the airplane was assigned to Avenger Field at Sweetwater, Texas.

CAF AT-6 Painted as Flying Tribute to the WASP

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The AT-6 Texan bears a U fuselage code indicating that the airplane was assigned to Avenger Field at Sweetwater, Texas.
The AT-6 Texan bears a U fuselage code indicating that the airplane was assigned to Avenger Field at Sweetwater, Texas.

The Commemorative Air Force’s(CAF) B-29/B-24 Squadron today unveiled a new WASP Tribute paint scheme on their AT-6 Texan. The Texan was a ubiquitous trainer during the war, and was used extensively at Avenger Field, training base to the WASP. The Texan was a robust airplane, and would be used to extensively prepare the women for night flying, long range cross country flights, and instrument flying.

In addition to flying the AT-6 in training, many of the WASP would also log flying time in the type while ferrying it. More than 12,000 were built in Dallas alone, and were transported by the WASP serving the 601st Ferrying Squadron assigned to Dallas Love Field.

This image, taken from an AT-6 in flight shows the colored cowling and U fuselage code during the later portion of the WASP training program. (Image courtesy of The WASP Archive, The TWU Libraries’ Woman’s Collection, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas
This image, taken from an AT-6 in flight shows the colored cowling and U fuselage code during the later portion of the WASP training program. (Image courtesy of The WASP Archive, The TWU Libraries’ Woman’s Collection, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas

“The WASP made a significant contribution to the War effort during World War II, even though it has often been overlooked,” said Kim Pardon, Public Information Officer for the Squadron, adding that “The CAF B-29/B24 Squadron is excited to be a part of telling this great story, and honoring the women who served as WASP.”

 

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