PN-8

The PN‑8 was a single‑engine, low‑wing monoplane built by the Naval Aircraft Factory (NAF) in the early 1930s to replace outdated scout aircraft aboard United States Navy destroyers. Development began in 1932 under the direction of NAF’s chief designer, Thomas J. Brown, who emphasized a sturdy airframe that could withstand harsh carrier deck conditions and corrosive sea air. Powered by a 750‑horsepower Wright R‑1820 radial engine, the PN‑8 featured an all‑metal stressed‑skin fuselage, retractable split‑type landing gear, and an enclosed cockpit with dual controls for training and combat missions. Its armament consisted of two forward‑firing .30‑caliber machine guns and a provision for a small bomb rack, making it suitable for reconnaissance, light attack, and anti‑submarine patrols. Only 42 units were produced before the program was terminated in 1936 in favor of newer carrier‑based fighters. Despite its brief service, the PN‑8 demonstrated the Navy’s transition from wooden biplanes to all‑metal monoplanes and contributed valuable data on corrosion‑resistant alloys and carrier‑deck handling that informed later designs such as the SBD Dauntless and F4F Wildcat. The aircraft also served as a testbed for improved navigation radios, paving the way for more advanced carrier reconnaissance platforms.