Naval Aircraft Factory N3N

In the years before WWII broke out, the need for training aircraft became apparent. There were concerns about any one manufacturer being able to meet this ballooning need, so the US Navy decided to build their own Primary Trainer.

Built at the Navy’s own aircraft factory at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the N3N filled the same role as the Stearman, that of Primary Trainer. Both aircraft look very similar, but beneath the fabric skin, the N3N uses an entirely metal structure. This structure was then riveted and bolted together, in contrast to the welded steel tubes of the Stearman’s fuselage and its wooden wings. The Navy even purchased the rights to produce their own Wright R-760 Whirlwind engines for the N3N.  

The Museum’s N3N, BuNo 2892, served at NAS Pensacola from June 1941, later being stationed at NAS Glenview. It also supported contract training organized by the War Training Service from 1943 until 1945. Ours has a float fitted that would have been used for training seaplane pilots.

Did You know?

Some early N3Ns used aluminum stringers left over from cancelled US Navy rigid airship construction orders.

Specifications

  • Number Built:  997
  • Year Produced:  1941
  • Serial Number:   2892
  • Crew: (2) Pilot, Student Pilot
  • Current Pilots:

Dimensions

  • Length:  25 ft. 6 in.
  • Wingspan:  34 ft. 
  • Empty Weight:  2,090 lbs.
  • Loaded Weight:  2,792 lbs.
  • Engine: 1x Wright R-760-2 Whirlwind, seven-cylinder, air-cooled radial engine
  • Engine Power:  235 hp

Performance

  • Cruising Speed:  90 mph
  • Max Speed:  126 mph
  • Range:  470 miles
  • Ceiling: 15,200 ft
  • Rate of Climb:  900 ft./min. initial

Armament

  • N/A – unarmed

Gallery & Media

Naval Aircraft Factory N3N
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N
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