Harvard Vintage Warplane

Information about Harvard Vintage Warplanes

The Harvard has its origins under a different name of the North American T-6 Texan in the United States, where it was first manufactured for use by the US Army Air Force (USAAF). When the Harvard came to Britain in 1938 for training pilots, it adopted the name of the Harvard - which is how this historic plane is known outside of the US.

Although the Harvard first entered service in June 1937, its influence can date back to 1935 with the North American NA-16. The Harvard Warbird however, was soon modified with a retractable gear and enough space to accommodate two .30 (7.62mm) guns used for combat. This meant it was used by the American National Guard with a machine gun attached to the nose and the addition of a flexible gun near the cockpit.

Due to its versatility as a trainer and combat plane, it would go on to be used in Britain throughout World War 2, most significantly in missions in North Africa preparing pilots with training. This would be the standard approach before pilots began learning how to master the Spitfires or Hurricanes. By the end of the war, over 5000 Harvard's had been supplied to the British and Commonwealth Air Forces, which solidified its current reputation within WW2 aviation history.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that Harvard's were withdrawn from the RAF, and today, they are a staple of airshows and used for vintage flying experiences across the globe as a way to get close to history and stepping inside the shoes of wartime pilots.

Why opt for a Harvard Vintage Flying Experience?

Sometimes there isn’t a better way to gain an understanding of history than to experience a slice of it for yourself. We can learn about the experiences of British pilots in their training leading up to WW2 and beyond from books and films, but to step inside a plane with a rich flight history and experience the sights and sounds for yourself is on another level.

These Harvard's have been lovingly restored and maintained so that we can continue to fly in them and gain an understanding of what it was like to fly one over the skies of Britain and the US. Once we step inside, we gain a unique perspective on their experience, all the whilst, being fulfilled with memories that last a lifetime.

If you are a history lover or know somebody who is, a Pleasure Flight in a Harvard can give them a tangible experience of WW2. It’s the type of once in a lifetime opportunity that simply can’t be missed. Although modern planes are incredible in their own right, there’s nothing like stepping back in time and appreciating flying for what it was back then.

With a range of Harvard experiences on offer, you can tailor your flights to your own preferences and explore as much history, or the capabilities of what this plane can do in a variety of different formats across the country. We’ve made it incredibly easy to create the Harvard experience of your dreams, with a variety of current available options on the website that can simply be purchased with a click of a button!

We recommend booking your slot as soon as possible, as these flights are popular and dates to book up quickly.

Current Harvard Flying Experiences

Harvard's are available to fly throughout the country as a pleasure flight where you sit back, relax and enjoy the sensation of flying in a piece of history alongside an expert instructor. Whether you want to fly from Berkshire, the IWM Duxford, Kent, Somerset or Essex, the choice is entirely up to you. But it’s safe to say wherever you end up flying in a Harvard, it will be a memorable experience of a lifetime.

You’ll be treated to the sights, sounds and smells of a 1940s vintage plane as you hover over the countryside and cast your eyes back to WW2. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even ask your pilot to demonstrate some aerobatic moves, or have a go with the controls yourself.

If you’re after a more thrilling ride and a true insight into just what these planes are capable of, you can even opt for an Aerobatic Flight at selected locations across the UK. Here, you will dart through the skies as your pilot puts this plane to the tests, and finishes the experience with a classic victory roll.

You can even ride the Harvard alongside another WW2 classic plane, the Spitfire, or for the true history fans out there, you can go on a true Battle of Britain Experience where you step into the shoes of a pilot for the day and take on a Warbird mission from the planning room, all the way to the skies. Not only will you be able to experience the flight in all its glory, but be able to strategically plan the best route. Don't miss out on a Vintage Flying Experience in the Harvard Warbird!

Gift Vouchers for Harvard Flying Experiences

If all of this sounds right up your street and you can’t wait to get yourself seated in this Harvard Vintage Warplane then we’d highly recommend purchasing a Gift Voucher to secure your spot. Vintage flying experiences are among the most popular activities on Flydays, so you wouldn’t want to miss out! Simply click on the package you’d like to do and purchase a Gift Voucher.

Alternatively, if you’re buying for a flying lover and aren’t entirely sure what experience to book in for, you can purchase an open Flydays Gift Voucher which can then be redeemed by them across the site! This gives you that extra peace of mind and flexibility when trying to find the perfect gift for a birthday or special occasion.