1942 Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3
Updated
4/4/2017 (4:26 pm MDT): Logbook scans added / Accessories lists
added.
Often
mistaken for a Stearman, the
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 is an all metal design, with fabric wings
and
control surfaces. The N3N
is also designed to be readily maintained. Vastly superior access
and no worries about condition of wooden structural components, make
the N3N a clear winner for a classic bi-plane military trainer
aircraft.
The N3N also
has
ailerons on both the top and bottom wing, dramatically increasing
roll responsiveness over the single aileron design.
The image below illustrates the amazing accessability designed into the
N3N. Aft left side panels have been removed - it takes less than
10 minutes to remove panels shown removed. There are two left side
fuselage panels forward of these which are shown still installed.
The
N3N was built from 1935 to 1942, and was the last biplane in US
military service. There were 816 Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3's
built,
of which there are a fairly good number remaining in airworthy
condition.
The Navy retired the last of its N3N's in 1961. This aircraft
appears to have been one of last in service, as it went into civilian
service in 1961 after a short time in storage.
Many
N3N's have been converted to the Lycoming R-680, largely considered
undesirable due to the firewall modification required, in addition to
the fact that the Lycoming's 300 hp rating was very optimistic.
Serial number 4363 does not appear to have done any agricultural
spraying duty, another mission frequently found in the history of N3N's.
This
plane, after its 3524 hours in military service, was put into service
by the North Carolina Forest Service from 1961 to 1965, after which it
appears to have been in storage. N3N-3 serial number 4363
subsequently was purchased by a private owner in Northern California,
who had it recovered, and put into service again in 1985.
In recent history, this plane has been based in Northern California,
Santa Paula California, Wisconsin and Colorado.
This plane has been owned by the current owner and based at Longmont,
Colorado since 2005. N9181R has been hangared since recovered in
1985. There are a number of spares that will be included, and
some that are available and will be sold separate from the plane.
N9181R had an annual inspection completed in February of 2017, and is
in fly-away condition.
Trades
will be considered. Please
don't hesitate to call (303)
503-8356 with further
questions regarding N9181R, insurance, finance options, upgrades or
transition training. This plane is based in the Denver area
currently and can be viewed by appointment.
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