Northrop N-3PB

Northrop · United States · first flew 1940 · reconnaissance aircraft

The Northrop N-3PB was an American single-engine patrol floatplane built exclusively for the Royal Norwegian Naval Air Service, used for maritime patrol and anti-submarine work from Iceland during World War II.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.97 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Single-engine float-plane patrol bomber on twin floats
Low-wing monoplane with radial engine and twin-float undercarriage
Built exclusively for Norwegian exile squadrons in Iceland

A clean low-wing monoplane distinguished by twin large floats replacing the conventional undercarriage, a radial engine in a long-chord cowling, and a ventral bomb/depth-charge bay.

Specifications

The Northrop N-3PB has a length of 10.97 m (36 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14.91 m (49 ft).
Its maximum speed is 414 km/h (257 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

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

History

Ordered in 1940 by the Norwegian government before the German invasion, the N-3PB entered service with Norwegian exile squadrons based in Iceland from 1941. It patrolled the North Atlantic, escorting convoys and searching for German submarines and surface raiders.

Variants

Only one variant was produced; all 24 aircraft were identical except for minor equipment fits.

Where you'll see it

Operated exclusively by Norwegian exile units (No. 330 Squadron) in Iceland until replaced by more capable aircraft in 1943; one preserved example is on display in Norway.

Related aircraft

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