NORTH AMERICAN HARVARD Mk 3

NZ1087, c/n 88-16326, s/n 42-84545, RAF EZ331, INST 213

The Harvard was supplied to the RNZAF in 1941 to 1944 for advanced pilot training on single engine aircraft. The RNZAF obtained additional aircraft and operated a total of 202 Harvards throughout their service until they were replaced in 1976 by the CT4-B Airtrainer and BAC Strikemasters.

Manufactured by North American Aviation in Dallas, Texas in 1944, this aircraft was diverted to New Zealand under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Brought on charge at Hobsonville on 5 July 1944 it served at No 1 Service Flying Training School, Wigram from 1944-45, and from 1950-57 was on the strength of RNZAF Base Ohakea. It was modified to a Mk 3* status at Woodbourne by 29 November 1957 and was allocated to long term storage until 1962.

On 4 October 1962 it was returned to service at RNZAF Base Wigram as a pool aircraft serving the Flying Training School (later Pilot Training Squadron), the Central Flying School, and was also used by the Red Checkers Aerobatic Team. Withdrawn from service on 26 June 1977, it was flown to RNZAF Base Woodbourne and was allocated to No 4 Technical Training School as instructional airframe INST 213. It was allocated to the Museum in 1981, and is displayed as a Harvard Mk 2 NZ948 of No 2 SFTS , Woodbourne, 1943.