N3N-3

The Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 was the final variant of the Navy’s primary trainer biplane, produced from 1935 to 1941. Conceived to replace the aging J-2 and to provide a rugged, low‑cost platform for student pilots, the N3N series debuted in 1935, and the N3N‑3, introduced in 1937, incorporated several refinements. It featured a 220‑horsepower Wright R‑975 radial engine, a fabric‑covered wooden wing structure, and a steel tube fuselage, all designed for easy maintenance in remote bases. The aircraft’s dual‑seat, open‑cockpit layout offered excellent forward visibility, while its conventional tailwheel undercarriage handled both land and sea‑plane operations with optional floats. Robust construction allowed it to tolerate harsh carrier deck landings and extensive flight hours, achieving a service life of over 3,000 hours per airframe. More than 600 N3N‑3s were built, serving the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and civilian flight schools. Its simplicity and forgiving handling made it a cornerstone of pre‑World‑WarII pilot training, influencing later trainers such as the SNJ Texan. Today, surviving N3N‑3s are prized in historic airshows, symbolizing the Navy’s commitment to practical, reliable training aircraft program.

Naval Aircraft Factory

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