Noorduyn JA-1 Norseman

Noorduyn · Canada · first flew 1935 · transport aircraft

The JA-1 was the US Navy designation for the Noorduyn Norseman, a rugged Canadian high-wing utility transport designed specifically for bush operations in Canada's remote north. The type served with several Allied air arms in World War II.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• US Navy designation for Noorduyn Norseman
• Rugged Canadian bush transport
• Large radial engine with long cowling

High-wing strut-braced monoplane with a large round radial engine, wide slab-sided fuselage with a flat-bottomed profile, and substantial fixed or float undercarriage; a classically utilitarian bush aircraft appearance.

Specifications

• The Noorduyn JA-1 Norseman has a length of 9.8 m (32 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 15.7 m (52 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 257 km/h (160 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Robert Noorduyn designed the Norseman in 1935 to survive the harsh demands of Canadian wilderness flying. The US Army adopted it as the UC-64 in large numbers during World War II; the Navy procured a small number as the JA-1 for utility transport. The Norseman is historically notable as the aircraft on which Glenn Miller disappeared in December 1944.

Variants

The Norseman Mk IV was the principal military production version. The Navy JA-1 and Army UC-64 were designations for the same basic aircraft.

Where you'll see it

The JA-1 served with the US Navy in small numbers for utility transport; the much larger UC-64 fleet served the Army Air Forces across multiple theatres. The RCAF operated the Norseman extensively throughout the war.

Related aircraft

• Avro Anson
• Bristol Bombay
• CANT Z.506 Airone
• Consolidated PBY Catalina

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