Naval Aircraft Factory XN3N-2

Naval Aircraft Factory · USA · first flew 1935 · light aircraft

The XN3N-2 was an experimental prototype variant of the Naval Aircraft Factory N3N biplane trainer, used to develop and refine the design that led to the production N3N-1 and N3N-3 series.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage7.77 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

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Visually nearly identical to the production N3N-1 and N3N-3; differences would be found in engine installation or detail fittings rather than overall configuration.

Specifications

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

History

The Naval Aircraft Factory built several XN3N prototypes with different engine and equipment fits to evaluate the design before committing to production; the XN3N-2 represented one configuration in this development sequence.

Variants

The XN3N-2 was a pre-production variant; lessons from its evaluation fed directly into the N3N-1 and N3N-3 production standards.

Where you'll see it

Used only for development and evaluation purposes; no operational service as a distinct type, as the design matured into the production N3N series.

Related aircraft

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