N3N-1

The Naval Aircraft Factory N3N‑1, introduced in 1935, was a biplane primary trainer that served the United States Navy through the World II era. Developed as a low‑cost, rugged alternative to the Curtiss JN‑4, the N3N‑1 featured an all‑wooden airframe with a fabric‑covered wing, a 220‑horsepower Wright R‑975 radial engine, and a fixed tailwheel landing gear. Its open tandem cockpit gave student pilots clear visibility and exposed them to the handling characteristics of a conventional aircraft, while the simple, non‑staggered wing design provided forgiving stall behavior. Over 900 examples were built, many of which saw service at Naval Air Stations across the continental United States and aboard carrier training platforms. The N3N‑1’s durability allowed it to survive the rigorous demands of carrier deck training, and its straightforward maintenance made it popular with ground crews. After the war, the type was retired from naval service but remained in civilian hands as a warbird and aerobatic trainer. The N3N‑1 is remembered for shaping a generation of naval aviators and for exemplifying the Navy’s commitment to practical, economical aircraft design during the interwar period.

Naval Aircraft Factory

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Design & Classification