N2S-5

The Stearman N2S‑5 was the final and most refined version of the company’s legendary biplane trainer series, produced from 1942 until the plant’s closure in 1948. Developed for the United States Navy, the N2S‑5 incorporated a 225‑horsepower Wright R‑975‑D2 radial engine, an enlarged vertical stabilizer, and a revised cockpit layout that improved visibility for both instructor and student. The aircraft retained the classic Stearman double‑wing configuration, fabric‑covered spruce ribs, and fixed tail‑wheel undercarriage, while adding metal wing struts and upgraded radio equipment to meet wartime training standards. Over 2,500 N2S‑5s were delivered to naval air stations, where they formed the backbone of primary flight instruction for pilots destined for carrier‑based combat aircraft. Their rugged construction, predictable handling, and forgiving stall characteristics made the N2S‑5 an ideal platform for developing fundamental airmanship. After World War II the type transitioned to civilian sport and aerobatic use, where its iconic silhouette and responsive controls continue to attract enthusiasts. The N2S‑5 remains a symbolic bridge between the golden age of biplane training and modern aviation, embodying Stearman’s lasting impact on pilot education worldwide. Today many museums and private collections preserve the N2S‑5 as a living piece of aviation heritage.