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
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 1979–2001
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $259,000
- Range
- $135,940–$352,000
- 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-6A | North American T-6 Texan |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6 | — |
| Serious | 2 | — |
| Fatal | 2 | — |
| Fatalities | 4 | — |
| % Fatal | 33% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Nanchang CJ-6A | North American T-6 TEXAN |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $43,540 – $187,090 | $135,940 – $352,000 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 600 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 160 kts (296 km/h) | 126 kts (233 km/h) |
| Range | 380 nm (704 km) | 630 nm (1,167 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg) | 5,617 lbs (2,548 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 18.0 GPH (68 L/h) | 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $45,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateNanchang CJ-6A
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 — 2 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.