North American T-6 Texan vs Nanchang CJ-6A

The CJ-6 and North American T-6 Texan are radial warbird trainers — the CJ-6 lighter, simpler and far more affordable, the T-6 a larger, more powerful WWII advanced trainer with blue-chip warbird status.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

North American T-6 Texan
For sale now
20
Median asking
$259,000
Range
$135,940–$352,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
8
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
1940–1958
Nanchang CJ-6A
For sale now
3
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1979–2001

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)North American T-6 TexanNanchang CJ-6A
All events—6
Serious—2
Fatal—2
Fatalities—4
% Fatal—33%
View full North American T-6 Texan NTSB record →View full Nanchang CJ-6A NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model North American T-6 TEXAN Nanchang CJ-6A
North American T-6 Texan
View 1 listings →
Median $259,000
 Nanchang CJ-6A
View 3 listings →
Median $79,900
Price Range $135,940 – $352,000 $43,540 – $187,090
Category Warbirds Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats — 2
Cruise Speed 126 kts (233 km/h) 160 kts (296 km/h)
Range 630 nm (1,167 km) 380 nm (704 km)
Max Gross Weight 5,617 lbs (2,548 kg) 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg)
Fuel Burn — 18.0 GPH (68 L/h)
TBO — 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $45,000
Annual Fixed — $20,000
Hourly Variable — $200
Engines — 1 x Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

North American T-6 TEXAN

Nanchang CJ-6A

Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: North American T-6 Texan or Nanchang CJ-6A?

Bottom line: Choose the T-6 Texan for genuine WWII heritage, presence and a strong warbird circuit (higher cost); choose the CJ-6 for an affordable, accessible radial warbird. T-6 = heritage/presence; CJ-6 = affordable/accessible.

Pick the T-6 Texan if…

  • Longer range — 630 nm vs 380 nm.

Pick the CJ-6A if…

  • Budget matters — from $43,540 vs $135,940, you save ~$92,400.
  • Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 126 kts.
  • More inventory — 3 listings vs 1.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, North American T-6 TEXAN or Nanchang CJ-6A?
It depends on your mission and budget. The T-6 TEXAN cruises at 126 kts with 630 nm range. The CJ-6A cruises at 160 kts with 380 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
North American T-6 TEXAN: from $289,000. Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between North American T-6 Texan and Nanchang CJ-6A?
Cruise: 126 vs 160 kts. Range: 630 vs 380 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
CJ-6A: about $200/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
CJ-6A: 2 seats. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
CJ-6A: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$45,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data