North American P-64 (NA-50/NA-68)

History

After moving to Los Angeles, the company's initial project in North America was producing O-47 observer aircraft for the US Army Air Forces. These planes, powered by single engines and crewed by three, became notable for their service, with 239 of them in operation. Despite not yet revealing their renowned designs like the B-25 Mitchell bomber or P-51 Mustang fighter, the company had established a solid reputation for crafting high-performance military trainers.

Their NA-16 design, introduced in 1935, evolved into the BT-9 and Australian CAC Wirraway, becoming widely utilized worldwide. Fitted with a 400-horsepower Wright R-975 Cyclone engine, it served its training role effectively until surpassed by newer models on the brink of the war. Recognizing the impending conflict, the company aimed to develop a cost-effective, export-oriented fighter, resulting in the NA-50. Armed with machine guns and bomb-carrying capability, though not as advanced as some contemporaries, it found appeal among smaller nations.

The Peruvian Air Force procured seven NA-50s, utilizing them in conflicts until 1950. Meanwhile, Thailand ordered modified NA-68s, but the order was annulled due to Japan's invasion. Repurposed by the USAAC as trainers known as P-64s, these aircraft proved proficient in their new role, with a few surviving beyond the war. Despite only thirteen being produced, their service in training pilots endured, marking a notable chapter in aviation history.

Specification

Basics

Years in Service: 1940

Origins: United States

Status: Retirement

Crew: 1

Production: 13

Manufacturer: North American Airlines - United States

Operator: Peru; Thailand (ordered, never delivered); USA

Roles

Air-to-air combat, fighter: The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.

Intercept: The ability to intercept incoming airborne threats with high performance, usually speed and rate of climb.

Ground attack (bombing, strafing): The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Disable support (CAS): Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Education (General): Develop the ability to become a dedicated student pilot instructor (usually under the supervision of an instructor).

Training (Basic): For aerial training, covering the basics of flight, general handling, take-off/landing maneuvers, etc.

Training (Advanced): A special advanced training platform for student pilots after completing basic flight training.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 27.1 ft (8.25 m)

Width/span: 37. 2 feet (11.35 m)

Height: 9.0 ft (2.75 m)

Cured weight: 4,663 lbs (2,115 kg)

MTOW: 6,801 lbs (3,085 kg)

Wgt Difference: +2,138 lbs (+970 kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 x Wright R-1820-77 870hp 9-cylinder radial piston air-cooled engine driving a three-blade nose propeller unit.

Maximum speed: 267 km/h (430 km/h | 232 knots)

Maximum: 27,559 feet (8,400 m | 5 km)

Area: 628 km (1,010 km | 1,871 nautical miles)

Weapon

2 x . 30 caliber medium machine gun (MMG).

2 x 20mm automatic cannons (underwing cannons) and 2 x .30 caliber medium machine guns (MMG)

Conventional projectile bombs up to 550 lb fixed externally under the wings.