N2C-2 Fledgling

The Curtiss N2C-2 Fledgling was a biplane trainer developed in the early 1930s for the United States Navy. Originating from Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company’s successful Navy‑training line, the aircraft entered service in 1933 as the Navy’s replacement for the aging N2C-1 series. Powered by a Wright R-975 radial engine delivering 420 horsepower, the N2C‑2 featured a fabric‑covered wooden wing structure, a steel tube fuselage, and a tandem open cockpit that provided student pilots with a clear view of instruments and flight controls. Its fixed, split‑axle landing gear and sturdy airframe made it forgiving for novice aviators while still offering sufficient performance—a top speed of 146 mph, a service ceiling of 16,000 feet, and a climb rate of 1,200 ft/min.

The Fledgling’s significance lies in its role as a bridge between World I‑era trainers and the more advanced monoplanes that would dominate later in the decade. Over 300 units were built, and the type saw extensive use at naval air stations across the United States, helping to standardize carrier‑qualified pilot training. Its reliable handling and robust construction also made it popular with civilian flying schools, reinforcing Curtiss’s reputation as a premier trainer manufacturer during the interwar period.