PN-12

The PN‑12 was a single‑engine, two‑seat trainer produced by the Naval Aircraft Factory (NAF) during the early 1930s. Developed as a successor to the earlier PN‑9 series, the PN‑12 incorporated a more powerful Wright R-1820 radial engine delivering 750 hp, which gave it a maximum speed of 150 mph and a service ceiling of 18,000 ft. Its all‑metal stressed‑skin fuselage and semi‑monocoque construction marked a transition from the wood‑and‑fabric biplanes that had dominated naval aviation in the 1920s. The aircraft featured a fixed, split‑axle landing gear, dual controls, and a fully enclosed cockpit with panoramic glazing, allowing both instructor and trainee to maintain clear visibility during carrier‑based operations. First flown in March 1932, the PN‑12 entered limited service with the U.S. Navy’s flight schools, where it proved valuable for teaching instrument navigation, formation flying, and carrier deck handling. Although only 45 units were built before production ceased in 1935, the PN‑12’s design innovations—particularly its metal airframe and reliable powerplant—helped pave the way for later NAF models such as the N3N and the iconic SBD Dauntless dive bomber, cementing its role in the evolution of American naval aviation.