The Harvard Mk IV was built by Canadian Car and Foundry (CCF) under license from North American Aviation as the Canadian-built version of the venerable North American AT-6. Canada built more Harvards than any other aircraft type in their inventory, with a total of 3,350 produced.

The design was originally designated the North American NA-16 in 1937, and was intended to compete for a roll as a “basic combat” aircraft for the U.S. Army Air Corps. Experience quickly showed that it was a mediocre combat aircraft but an excellent trainer, so it was reclassified by the Army Air Corps as an Advanced Trainer, the AT-6. Nicknamed “Texan” in the US, the AT-6 was employed in training most of the Allied fighter pilots of World War II and went on to become arguably the best fighter training aircraft of all time. From 1940 to 1955, nearly all American and British Commonwealth pilots received at least some training on the Texan/Harvard. Strong yet unforgiving, requiring a delicate touch to keep straight during landing and take-off, it was an ideal training airplane.

Because of its reputation as a great training platform, many of these aircraft continued in use with air forces around the world for decades. In fact, the South African Air Force operated the AT-6s as late as 1995. The aircraft could also be modified as an armament trainer capable of carrying either machine guns, rockets or practice bombs, or could be outfitted as a ground-attack variant.