Ryan STM S-2
Sport Aircraft & Trainer
Country of Origin: United States of America
Engine: LOM Prague M332A, 140 Hp straight 4 | Originals: Menasco C4 125 Hp inverted straight 4
Top Speed:
Advanced Trainer
North American Aviation’s beloved T6 Texan trainer earned itself the title “The Pilot Maker” due to its important role in preparing allied pilots for combat during World War Two. The RNZAF operated 202 Harvards from 1941 till their retirement in 1977, after serving for 36 years training Kiwi pilots. It was the last wartime aircraft to see service with the RNZAF. Today there are numerous ex RNZAF Harvards flying in New Zealand including 7 which call Ardmore home.
North American Harvard Mk IIA NZ1057
Built in 1943, NZ1057 was stationed at Gisborne under No.30 Torpedo Squadron. When the RNZAF disposed of the Harvard’s in the mid-1970s and TVI (NZ1057’s civil registration) suffered the ignominy of becoming a playground amusement before it was recovered and subsequently rebuilt from the wheels up in to flying condition in 1998. NZ1057 is presented in its 1950’s RNZAF livery.
North American Harvard Mk IIA NZ1053
Built in 1943, NZ1053 is in the livery of the 1970’s training fleet. When the RNZAF declared her surplus to requirements, 53 was sold to the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) for $100.00 in a dismantled and incomplete state. It then went to the Taranaki Aviation and Transport Museum and then to Don Subritsky who restored her to flying condition.
North American Harvard Mk IIA NZ1052
Built in 1943, NZ1052 is in the livery of No.2 “Wellington” Squadron of the Territorial Airforce during the 1950’s. She too was declared surplus to requirements by the RNZAF and was sold to the Museum of Transport and Technology in 1978. She was sold to P. Burns of Christchurch in 1982 and then to M. Nicholls of Blenheim in 1987. She was rebuilt by Aero Tech at Ardmore from 1990 to 1991 were she was bought by the current owners, Harvard 1052 Syndicate.
Country of Origin: United States of America
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp, 600 Hp Radial Engine
Length: 8.8m (29ft)
Height: 3.56m (11ft 8in)
Wing Span: 13m (42ft)
Cruise Speed: 145 mph (233 kmh or 126 knots)
Maximum Speed: 236mph (380kmh or 205knots) at 5,000 ft (1,500m)
Service Ceiling: 7,400m (24,200ft)
Sport Aircraft & Trainer
Country of Origin: United States of America
Engine: LOM Prague M332A, 140 Hp straight 4 | Originals: Menasco C4 125 Hp inverted straight 4
Top Speed:
STOL Utility Transport
Country of Origin: Canada
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Jr. 450hp 9-cylinder radial piston engine
Top Speed: 255 Km/h, 158 MPH, 137 Knots
Observation aircraft
Country of Origin: United States of America
Engine: Continental O-470-11, 213hp air-cooled flat-six piston engine
Top Speed: