N2S-4

The Stearman N2S‑4 is the Navy‑designation for the Model 75 series biplane trainer built by Stearman Aircraft in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Originally conceived as a rugged primary trainer for the United States Army Air Corps, the type was adopted by the U.S. Navy, which designated it N2S‑4 after receiving 747 aircraft between 1939 and 1941. The N2S‑4 retained the classic open‑cockpit, fabric‑covered wings and welded steel tube fuselage that made the Stearman renowned for durability and forgiving handling. Powered by a 225‑horsepower Wright R‑975 radial engine, the aircraft delivered a top speed of roughly 124 mph, a service ceiling of 13,000 ft, and a climb rate suitable for novice pilots learning basic flight maneuvers, stalls, and aerobatics. Its simple construction allowed rapid field repairs and low maintenance, qualities that proved vital during World War II training programs. Over 7,000 Stearman trainers of all variants were produced, and the N2S‑4 remains a symbol of pre‑war pilot instruction, influencing later trainer designs and preserving a nostalgic legacy in vintage airshows and private collections worldwide. Today many N2S‑4 airframes are maintained by museums and enthusiast groups, where they continue to demonstrate timeless flight training principles to new generations of aviators.