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

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

Nanchang CJ-6A
For sale now
3
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1979–2001
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

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)Nanchang CJ-6ANorth American T-6 Texan
All events6—
Serious2—
Fatal2—
Fatalities4—
% Fatal33%—
View full Nanchang CJ-6A NTSB record →View full North American T-6 Texan NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Nanchang CJ-6A North American T-6 TEXAN
Nanchang CJ-6A
View 3 listings →
Median $79,900
 North American T-6 Texan
View 1 listings →
Median $259,000
Price Range $43,540 – $187,090 $135,940 – $352,000
Category Warbirds Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats 2 —
Cruise Speed 160 kts (296 km/h) 126 kts (233 km/h)
Range 380 nm (704 km) 630 nm (1,167 km)
Max Gross Weight 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg) 5,617 lbs (2,548 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

Nanchang CJ-6A

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

North American T-6 TEXAN

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

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 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.

Pick the T-6 Texan if…

  • Longer range — 630 nm vs 380 nm.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Nanchang CJ-6A or North American T-6 TEXAN?
It depends on your mission and budget. The CJ-6A cruises at 160 kts with 380 nm range. The T-6 TEXAN cruises at 126 kts with 630 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900. North American T-6 TEXAN: from $289,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Nanchang CJ-6A and North American T-6 Texan?
Cruise: 160 vs 126 kts. Range: 380 vs 630 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