Spartan NP
Spartan Aircraft Company · United States · first flew 1935 · light aircraft
The Spartan NP was an American biplane primary trainer built by Spartan Aircraft Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the United States Navy in the mid-1930s. It was used to provide basic flight instruction to naval aviators.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.39 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- 1930s US Navy primary trainer biplane
- Open tandem cockpit with fixed undercarriage
- Radial engine with broad-chord Townend ring cowl
A conventional open-cockpit biplane with radial engine, interplane struts, and fixed tailwheel undercarriage. Distinguished from the Stearman Kaydet by its Spartan construction details, slightly different wing configuration, and Tulsa-built heritage.
Specifications
- The Spartan NP has a length of 7.39 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.29 m (34 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 174 km/h (108 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Spartan Aircraft built a small number of NP-1 trainers for the US Navy in 1936. The Tulsa-based company had a strong reputation for quality construction, and the NP was a conventional biplane trainer of its era. Production numbers were modest, and the type was supplanted by newer designs including the Naval Aircraft Factory N3N and Stearman N2S.
Variants
The NP-1 was the sole production variant delivered to the US Navy.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Navy at primary training stations during the mid-to-late 1930s.
Related aircraft
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