Our N3N aircraft is a Naval Aircraft Factory (the manufacturer) N3N-3. It entered service in
May of 1941. One of approximately 980 produced and 40 left flying in the world, it was used as a
primary trainer for the U.S. Navy during WWII. The N3N-3 was the last biplane to be used in U.S.
military service. This aircraft (N45163) has been lovingly (okay, there was some screaming involved)
restored to a "like new" condition.
The N3N-3's were produced by the Navy to be used as a primary trainer for cadets. At that time,
the Navy was contracted to manufacture a percentage of its own aircraft, and the N3N-3's were built
from spare dirigible (blimp) parts to make use of surplus materials. In 1938, they cost $25,000 each.
The N3N-3's were built to be very rugged (designed to +9 and -5 g's). In the hands of new naval
cadets, these aircraft lived a rough life teaching the basics and challenges of airmanship. Because
of its color and demand of respect, the cadets affectionately nicknamed it "The Yellow Peril."
This particular aircraft served as a trainer in Pensacola, FL and Glenview, IL until 1945. It
was then relegated to the harsh life as a cropduster until 1984. In 1993, a complete restoration
of this aircraft began. Three years and 5,000 man hours later, it was finally completed and ready
for flight in May of 1996.
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 (N45163)
Engine: Pratt & Whitnew R985 (450 hp)
Cruise Speed: 95 mph
Stall Speed: 50 mph
Empty Weight: 2695 lbs
Wing Span: 34 ft
Takeoff Distance: 350 ft
Landing Distance: 450 ft
The WACO (as in WACO) is short for the Weaver Aircraft Company of Ohio. There were approximately six hundred Waco UPF-7s produced in the United States from 1938 to 1942. The Waco UPF-7 was originally developed as a World War II trainer. Today, fewer than 80 today are still flying, with the majority having found their way to museums. Our UPF-7 was originally purchased by the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) for primary training during WWII.
WACO UPF-7 (NC164)
Engine: Contenental R670 (220 hp)
Cruise Speed: 95 mph
Stall Speed: 41 mph
Empty Weight: 1855 lbs
Wing Span: 30 ft
Takeoff Distance: 325 ft
Landing Distance: 425 ft
A note of thanks: I would like to thank all the people that helped during the restoration
of the N3N; especially David Forrest, Les Koberg and Philip Dahlke whose guidance, knowledge,
and inspiration made the completion of this project possible.
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