The SNJ "Ole Yeller"

"Ole Yeller” is a Navy SNJ4 (but since in Texas, a Texan T-6C) with Navy colors.  It was built in 1942, configured with swivel back seat and a camera port in the belly.   It did not have a hook for carrier landings, but has a later model tail wheel steering modification to allow steering with tail wheel locked.  Most of the plane is authentic 1950s configurations that the Navy installed.  My father, Richard B Ferguson, bought it from North Island NAS, San Diego, CA, in 1961, and did little to modify further through the years.  He created and painted  the "N211RF” "serial” number…."RF” from his initials.  He flew the plane with a number of other T-6s his buddies in Civil Air Patrol purchased at the same time, forming the "National City Air Force”, flying out of National City Airport adjacent to San Diego, CA.  They flew formation, aerobatics, and simulated dog fights at local air shows, local events, and veterans ceremonies, much as we do in the CAF.        

This SNJ flew pilot training during WWII and Korean eras for the Navy.  In the late 50s it was flown by North Island Navy staff pilots for currency, and towed targets for the jets to shoot at.  It was declared surplus in 1960, with a fleet of others at the North Island Navy base, for civilian purchase. 

  Civil Air Patrol used these T-6 aircraft for California search and rescue missions particularly along known routes, utilizing its higher speed than most other CAP aircraft available in those days to get to the searcharea more quickly.   It was also helpful in high altitude mountainous terrain in California searches due to its greater power to climb out of high mountain valleys. 

      Specifications:

      Gross Wt:  5155 lbs., 900 useful load

      Top Speed:  210 MPH

      Cruise:  145 MPH, with Service Ceiling of 25,000 ft

      Range:  629 miles (70% power), with 110 gals. Fuel, and 12 gals. oil

      Engine:  600 HP, Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial

      Armament:  30 Cal. Machine Gun on right wing, another on top of the nose, and third in the rear seat, facing aft.  Gun camera positioned on left wing.  Bomb and rocket hard points provided under wings.  Many similar T-6s were sold overseas and utilized as fighter aircraft, such as South American Air Forces into the 1980s.