UNITED STATES MILITARY AIRCRAFT by Jos Heyman

Undesignated Aircraft N-S

Last updated: 1 July 2016

NAF BS Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: An aircraft design of which the US Navy ordered two BS.1s with serials A-6289/6290, two BS.2s with serials A-6291/6292, two BS.3s with serials A-6293/6294 and another five aircraft with serials A-6295/6299 of unspecified sub-type. All aircraft were subsequently cancelled.

NAF Free balloon Specifications: diameter: max. speed: Two free balloons were built for the US Navy with serials A-6445 and A-6527. A-6445 was procured for racing in 1922.

NAF GB-1 Specifications: span: 150', 45.72 m length: 65', 19.81 m engines: 9 Liberty 12 max. speed: 80 mph, 129 km/h

(Source: NAF?)

Also called the Giant Boat, this tri-plane flying boat had three Gallaudet built nacelles of three engines each. One aircraft was ordered by the US Navy with serial A-6059 on 7 June 1920 and construction was commenced in July 1920. In 1922, with the aircraft partially completed, further work was cancelled.

NAF N Specifications: span: 51’0”, 15.54 m length: 37’7”, 11.46 m engines: 1 Liberty max. speed: 94 mph, 151 km/h

(Source: Gary Smith, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #9085)

The N.1 was an aircraft carrying a Davis gun. Two were procured by the US Navy with serials A-4341/4342 and another 10 with serials A-5030/5039 were cancelled. In addition two aircraft with serials A-2282/2283 were identified as Davis N.1. Production of 2284 aircraft was cancelled.

NAF PT Specifications: span: 62', 18.90 m length: 35’5”, 10.80 m engines: 1 Liberty 12A max. speed: 92 mph, 148 km/h

(Source: Leslie Burgess, via Aerofiles.com)

The PT.1 was a patrol flying boat using the fuselage of a Curtiss R.6 and the wing of a HS.1L. 15 aircraft were built for the US Navy with serials A-6034/6048. The PT.2 version had a HS.2L wing with a span of 74'1", 22.58 m, fitted and 18 were built with serials A-6326/6343.

NAF SA Specifications: span: 30’2”, 9.19 m length: 20’3”, 6.17 m engines: 1 Lawrence L3 max. speed: 70 mph, 113 km/h

(Source: US Navy?)

The SA.1 was an experimental ship borne aircraft of which the US Navy procured two in 1919 with serials A-5570/5571. At the same time two examples of the SA.2 were procured with serials A-5572/5573. The acronym SA stood for ‘Ship’s Airplane’ and SA-1 had an uncovered fuselage whereas SA.2 had a covered fuselage. An initial order of twenty machines of each type was planned but these were never built as the US Navy judged the machines too low powered for the purpose.

NAF TF Specifications: span: 60', 18.29 m length: 44'5", 13.54 m engines: 2 Hispano Suiza H max. speed: 107 mph, 172 km/h

(Source: US Navy)

The Tandem Fighter was a patrol boat that could also be used as a fighter. Four aircraft were procured by the US Navy with serials A-5576/5579. The first flight was on 1 October 1920 and the last aircraft was fitted with Packard engines. It has also been suggested that the last aircraft (A-5579) was not completed.

NAF TG Specifications: span: 36', 10.97 m length: 30', 9.14 m engines: 1 Liberty max. speed: 97 mph, 156 km/h

(Source: William T. Larkins, via Aerofiles.com)

The TG series was a gunnery training aircraft. In total five were built and sometimes the first three are referred to as TG.1 and the remainder as TG.2 whilst other reference sources identify each aircraft individually as TG.1 to TG.5, and not necessarily in that order. The serials were A-6344/6348. The TG.3 (A-6346) and TG.4 (A-6347) were fitted with an Aeromarine T6 engine whilst the TG.5 (A-6348) was fitted with a Wright Hispano E4.

NAS Pensacola Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: NAS Pensacola built an experimental seaplane with serial A-153. A second example with serial A-154 was cancelled.

New Standard D-32 Specifications: span: 30’, 9.14 m length: 25’, 7.62 m engines: 1 Wright J-6 max. speed: 113 mph, 182 km/h

(Source: New Standard?)

One D-32 was built in 1931 with registration NC747Y (c/n 3000) and was tested as XPT-931. It was based on the D-29A.

New Standard XP-927 pursuit Specifications: span: 30’, 9.14 m length: 24’8”, 7.52 m engines: 1 Kinner B-5 max. speed: mph, km/h

(Source: Frank Rezich, via Aerofiles.com)

It has been suggested that the XP-927 was most likely the one D-29A that was modified as a D-31 after the 100 hp Kinner K-5 was replaced by the 125 hp Kinner B-5. Indeed, that aircraft (registered NC154M, c/n 1006) appears on a photo with USAAC markings applied over the civilian registration. A second aircraft was registered as NC775Y (c/n 1033).

New York Aero Construction Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: The US Army ordered two pursuit type aircraft on 13 April 1917 with serials in the 541/556 block. They were cancelled on 27 August 1917.

Nieuport 27 Specifications: span: 26'10", 8.18 m length: 18'6", 5.63 m engines: 1 Gnome max. speed: 110 mph, 176 km/h

(Source: Bill McBride, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #9749)

The US Army tested one type 27 aircraft with serial 94098. It was also flown with Project serial P-153.

Nieuport 28C1 Specifications: span: 26'3", 8.00 m length: 20'4", 6.20 m engines: 1 Gnome max. speed: 121 mph, 195 km/h

(Source: US Navy)

The 28C1 was a French fighter bi-plane which first flew in June 1917. The US Navy acquired 12 from the French Navy and took these back to the US for testing of flying from platforms over the battleships' gun turrets. The serials were A-5794/5805. The US Army tested one aircraft with serial 94100 which was also flown with Project serial P-155.

Northrop 3A Specifications: span: 33’6”, 10.21 m length: 21’10”, 6.65 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-1535-G max. speed: 278 mph, 447 km/h

(Source: Dan Shumaker, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #12431)

The 3A was developed from the XFT for an USAAC pursuit design competition as XP-948 (some photos state XP-983) but the aircraft was lost during a test flight on 30 July 1935. Design rights sold in 1936 to Vought Co and became Vought V-141. It has been stated that a V-141 with registration NR56V was also tested by the USAAC (perhaps also as XP-948, but not confirmed as such) and that this aircraft was subsequently modified wiith a R-1535-SB engine, extensive fuselage and tail redesign, and redesignated V-143.

Northrop XP-929 pursuit Specifications: span: 32’, 9.75 m length: 21’8”, 6.60 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr max. speed: 212 mph, 341 km/h

(Source: Northrop, via Aerofiles.com)

The XP-929 designation may refer to the only Beta 3D, registered as NX12214, which was inspected by AAC engineers in early 1932 although this has not been confirmed. The aircraft was registered as NC12214 and was damaged on 16 January 1933. It was then acquired by Stearman for various wing flap tests and was destroyed in a crash on 5 June 1934.

Northrop Delta Refer to RT

Northrop Gamma Refer to C-100

Northrop MX-324/334 Specifications: span: 28', 8.53 m length: 12’, 3.66 m engines: 1 Aerojet XCAL-200 max. speed: 300 mph, 483 km/h

MX-324 (Source: Johan Visschedijk, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #7027)

In September 1942 Northrop was awarded a design study for a rocket propelled interceptor. Three research aircraft were built for the USAAF. The first two were used as gliders and are referred to as MX-334. The first flight took place on 2 October 1943. It has been suggested the second of these aircraft carried two Westinghouse jets and crashed. The third aircraft, known as MX-324, had the rocket engine and flew for the first time on 5 July 1944. It is not apparent that any of the aircraft carried serials or civil registrations. It has been reported that the aircraft still flew in 1964. Refer also to F-79

Northrop N9M Specifications: span: 60', 18.29 m length: 17’9”, 5.42 m engines: 2 Menasco C6S-4 max. speed: 257 mph, 413 km/h

(Source: northrop.host.sk)

The four N9M aircraft were scaled down development aircraft for the B-35 design. The first two were identified as N9M, the third as N9M-A whilst the fourth, propelled by two Franklin O-540-7 engines, was identified as N9M-B. The first aircraft flew for the first time on 27 December 1942 had made 45 flights totaling 22 hours when it crashed on 19 May 1943. The second aircraft flew on 24 June 1943 whilst the third one flew on 28 June 1944. Although carrying a military star, the aircraft did not carry any serials. One aircraft was rebuilt in 1995 and flew again for the first time on 8 November 1995. Refer also to B-35

Northrop Tacit Blue Specifications: span: 55'9", 17.00 m length: 48'2", 14.70 m engines: 2 Garrett ATF 3-6 max. speed: 287 mph, 462 km/h

(Source: nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/index.asp)

Long endurance surveillance aircraft using stealth technology. Two aircraft were built but only one was completed. The first flight was on 5 February 1982 and 135 flights were made, with a total flying time of 250 hours until the last flight on 14 February 1985. In 1996 the aircraft was revealed and donated to the USAF Air Force Museum. The aircraft has no apparent serials.

North Sea NS7 Specifications: diameter: 57’, 17.63 m length: 260’, 79.50 m engines: 2 Rolls Royce max. speed: The NS7 was an airship designed in the UK and built by the Government Balloon Factory at Farnborough. One was acquired by the US Navy with serial A-5580 although it has been suggested that at least three were used by the US Navy with likely not all of them receiving a serial.

NYNG Sloane Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: A single Sloane type aircraft was built by the New York National Guard. It was ordered on 11 November 1916 with serial 317.

Orenco A Specifications: span: 44', 13.41 m length: 26'7", 8.10 m engines: 1 Duesenburg 4 max. speed: 74 mph, 119 km/h The Orenco A was a side-by-side primary trainer of which two were ordered by the US Army on 24 November 1917 with serials 25807/25808.

Orenco B Specifications: span: 26', 7.92 m length: 18'10, 5.74 m engines: 1 Gnome max. speed: 135 mph, 217 km/h

(Source: D.W. Abel, via Aerofiles.com)

Although six examples were ordered on 13 December 1917 with serials 33763/33768, only two were delivered to the US Army as model B, including serial 33765. Perhaps the other model B was 33763 but this has no support for this suggestion at all. The remaining aircraft were delivered as model C. Aircraft 33763 was also flown with Project serial P-48 whilst aircraft 33765 was flown with P-41.

Orenco C Specifications: span: 26', 7.92 m length: 18'10", 5.74 m engines: 1 Le Rhone C9 max. speed: 102 mph, 163 km/h

(Source: San Diego Air and Space Museum)

Originally ordered as model B, four examples of the model C scout and pursuit aircraft were delivered including one with serial 33766. The other serials were in the 33763/33768 range.

Orenco D Specifications: span: 30', 9.14 m length: 21'6", 6.55 m engines: 1 Hispano H max. speed: 147 mph, 237 km/h

(Source: Aerofiles.com)

The model D was a pursuit aircraft of which four prototypes were ordered by the US Army on 16 October 1918 with serials 40107/40110. A production series of 50 was built by Curtiss with serials 63281/63330. Several aircraft were also flown with Project serials: 40108 as P-67, 40109 as P-101, 40110 as P-120, 63281 as P-163, 63282 as P-161, 63327 as P-202, 63328 as P-206 and 63329 as P-207. Refer also to PW-3

Parnell Panther Specifications: span: 29'6", 8.99 m length: 25', 7.62 m engines: 1 Bentley BR2 max. speed: 114 mph, 183 km/h

(Source: US Navy?)

The Panther was a fleet reconnaissance and scout aircraft of which two were procured by the US Navy in 1919 with serials A5751/5752.

Paul Schmitt Specifications: span: 51’4”, 15.65 m length: 34’4”, 10.45 m engines: 1 Renault 12Fe max. speed: 121 mph, 195 km/h

(Source: San Diego Air and Space Museum)

The Paul Schmitt was a French seaplane design of which two were obtained by the US Navy from the French Navy. The serials were A-52 and A-5636. One reference source links A-5636 to a floatplane development of the Paul Schmitt 10B2 (to which the specifications apply) but with a large centerline float and two outboard floats. Based on this, it has been assumed that the aircraft on the photo is A-5636. It is not clear whether the aircraft with serial A-52 is of the same design.

Pfalz D-III Specifications: span: 30'10", 9.40 m length: 22'10", 6.95 m engines: 1 Mercedes DIII max. speed: 102 mph, 163 km/h One D-III was tested by the US Army with serial 94089.

Pfalz ? Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: One aircraft of unknown type was tested by the US Army with serial 94052.

Philadelphia Aviation School Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: The Philadelphia Aviation School built a Curtiss Pusher floatplane which was ordered by the US Army with a serial in the 541/556 block. Refer also to Curtiss F

Piasecki 16H-1 Pathfinder Specifications: rdm: 44', 13.41 m length: 37'3", 11.35 m engines: 1 General Electric T58-GE-8 max. speed: 225 mph, 362 km/h

(Source: Steve Williams, via airfields-freeman.com/PA/Airfields_PA_Philly_S)

A high speed compound helicopter it had first flown on 21 February 1962 as 16H-1. The US Army and US Navy then sponsored modification in 1964 and as Pathfinder II it flew for the first time on 15 November 1965. The aircraft was not procured and flew with civil registration N616H.

Piasecki PA-97 Helistat Specifications: span: length: 343’, 104.55 m engines: max. speed:

(Source: US Navy?)

The Helistat was built under a 1980 U.S. Navy contract for the Forest Service to demonstrate economic and ecological potential of heavy vertical air lifters in harvesting timber and other natural resources in difficult terrain. The demonstration vehicle utilized a Navy ZPG-2W blimp and four H-34J helicopters. On 1 July 1986 one of the helicopters failed and the Helistat crashed.

Pigeon Fraser Scout Specifications: span: 37'11", 11.56 m length: 24', 7.32 m engines: 1 Gnome max. speed: 103 mph, 166 km/h

(Source: Dan Shumaker, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #7755)

The Scout was a monoplane pursuit aircraft of which two were ordered by the US Army on 17 April 1917 with serials 116/117. The first aircraft was delivered in September 1917. It was transferred to McCook Field where it was tested to destruction. The second aircraft was delivered in November 1917 and crashed on the first flight in December 1917. Another two were ordered in serial block 541/556 but were subsequently cancelled although it appears a third aircraft was built and stored at the company. Eventually this aircraft was put on display at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, NY. It has been suggested that the fourth aircraft was also built whilst other sources have suggested that 16 were built.

Pilatus PC 6 Porter Refer to V-20

Pilatus PC 9 Refer to T-6

Piper PA-28 Specifications: span: 30’, 9.14 m length: 23’4”, 7.11 m engines: 1 Lycoming O-320 max. speed: 142 mph, 230 km/h

(Source: via govliquidation.com)

The military services operated a number of PA-28s without a designation or a serial. The registrations were N4306W, N432FL, N5926U, N3021C, N4331P, N4370B, N4370K, N4385W, N8057P, N8092H, N8137Q, N8234A, N8235F, N2122K, N9446W, N32613, N33096, N9467N, N36120, N8479F, N2895D and N8395Y.

Piper PA-31T Cheyenne Specifications: span: 44'6", 13.56 m length: 34'6", 10.51 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-11 max. speed: 278 mph, 448 km/h A PA-31T was confiscated with serial 85-1609. It was previously registered as N274KM and N82164.

Piper PA38 Tomahawk Specifications: span: 34', 10.36 m length: 23'2", 7.06 m engines: 1 Lycoming O-235-L2C max. speed: 126 mph, 203 km/h Sixteen PA-38s were ordered by the USAF for its aeroclubs in Europe. Civilian registrations included N39132, N91342, N91355, N91358, N91392, N91404, N91473, N91448, N91457 and N91590.

Piper PA-48 Enforcer Specifications: span: 41'4", 12.60 m length: 34'2", 10.41 m engines: 1 Avco Lycoming T55-L-9 max. speed: 315 mph, 584 km/h

(Source: USAF)

Being a turboprop development of the North American Mustang, a contract for two Enforcers was placed in September 1981 although the first aircraft had flown on 9 April 1981. From November 1983 to April 1984 the USAF evaluated the aircraft which, however, retained the civil registrations N481PE and N202PE.

Pomilio BVL.12 Specifications: span: 45’3”, 13.79 m length: 31'7", 9.63 m engines: 1 Liberty 12 max. speed: 110 mph, 177 km/h

(Source: earlyaeroplanes.com/archive)

The BVL.12 was a bomber aircraft of which six were ordered on 21 September 1918 by the US Army with serials 40086/40091. Aircraft 40087 was also flown with Project serial P-68. Some reference sources state that these aircraft were not completed.

Pomilio FVL.8 Specifications: span: 26'8", 8.13 m length: 21'8", 6.60 m engines: 1 Liberty 8 max. speed: 133 mph, 214 km/h

(Source: USAAS?)

To be built by the Engineering Div., the FVL.8 was a single seat aircraft of which the US Army ordered six on 21 September 1918 with serials 40080/40085. Of these aircraft 40081 was also flown with Project serial P-69. Some reference sources state that these aircraft were cancelled.

Princeton Univ X-2 Scooter Specifications: diameter: 8’, 2.70 m engines: 1 max. speed: 10 mph, 16 km/h

(Source: Princeton Univ.?)

In 1950s the US Army funded research of the X-2 ground effect machine. The aircraft was not designated or serialled.

Princeton Univ X-3B Specifications: diameter: 18'2", 5.54 m engines: 1 Lycoming VO-360-A1A max. speed: 50 mph, 81 km/h

(Source: Princeton Univ.?)

In 1959 the US Army funded research of the X-3B ground effect machine. The aircraft was not designated or serialled.

RAE SE5a Specifications: span: 26'9", 8.15 m length: 20'10", 6.35 m engines: 1 Hispano E max. speed: 122 mph, 196 km/h

(Source: Jack McKillop, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #6391)

The SE5a was a British designed aircraft of which Curtiss built 20 from British supplied parts and three outright. The serials were 43153, 64348/64349, 68545, 94078 and 94094. The US Navy had two with serials A-5588/5589. In addition 57 were used retaining RAF serials. 999 aircraft with serials 43154/44152 were cancelled. In 1922/23 Eberhart rebuilt 50 as SE.5e trainers with serials 22-276/325. Serials 23-558/559 are also known. Several aircraft were also flown with Project serials: 64348 as P-177, 64349 as P-176, 68545 as P-235, 94078 as P-52, 94094 as P-146, 22-315 as P-320 and 22-316 as P-321.

Raven Balloons Specifications: diameter: max. speed:

(Source: Raven?)

Both the US Army and US Navy used a variety of balloons designed by Raven Industries for its flying clubs as well as testing purposes. None of these received a designation or serials. Known civilian registrations included N12005 (Raven S-50), N2782D (Raven S-55A), N63678 (Raven S-57A), N30131 (Raven S-60) and N27814 (Raven S-77A).

Rearwin 6000 M Speedster Specifications: span: 32', 9.75 m length: 21'6", 6.55 m engines: 1 Menasco C4 max. speed: 166 mph, 267 km/h The US Navy impressed two Speedsters with serials 99096/99097. They were originally operated by Pan American. However, there is no record of Pan American owning Speedsters and it may be possible that these two aircraft were in fact 8135T Cloudsters of which Pan American used a few as instrument trainers. Refer also to C-102

Richardson 82-A Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed:

(Source: B.C.F. Klein, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #10922)

A seaplane designed and built by Lt. Richardson at the Washington Navy Shipyard. The aircraft received serial A-82 which, clearly, determined its type identification. It has been suggested that another two aircraft were cancelled which may have been the aircraft identified as the Washington Navy Yard Seaplane with serials A-83 and A-84. This is supported by the details record on the US Navy Aircraft Record which records these aircraft only as ‘Hydro-tractor, Government Experimental’.

Roland D-V Specifications: span: length: engines: 1 Mercedes DIII max. speed: The US Army tested two D-Vbs with serials 94057 and 94059. They had German serials 2219 and 2217.

Roland D-VI Specifications: span: 30'11", 9.42 m length: 20'10", 6.35 m engines: 1 Benz max. speed: 106 mph, 170 km/h

(Source: Bill Pippin, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #12681)

The US Army tested two D-VIs with serials 94062 and 94064 as well as two D-VIas with serials 94061 and 94063. Aircraft 94063 was also flown with Project serial P-132.The latter aircraft was German 7502/18 and was amongst aircraft surrendered at Koblenz on 1 January 1919 and was shipped to the US for tests. It was eventually destroyed by fire on 8 September 1920.

Rotec Rally Sport Specifications: span: 27', 8.23 m length: 16'7", 5.05 m engines: 1 Rotax 530 max. speed: 60 mph, 96 km/h The Rally Sport was an ultra-light aircraft of which the US Army procured one to investigate the potential for surveillance, mapping, flight training and light weapons carrier.

Rotec Rally 3 Specifications: span: 38', 11.58 m length: 17'6", 5.33 m engines: 1 Cuyana 430 cc max. speed: 33 mph, 53 km/h The Rally 3 was an ultra-light aircraft of which the US Army procured three to investigate the potential for surveillance, mapping, flight training and light weapons carrier.

Rotorcraft RH-1 Pinwheel Specifications: span: 15’, 4.57 m length: 7’6”, 2.29 m engines: 1 Reaction Motors XLR-32-RM max. speed: 100 mph, 161 km/h

(Source: B.C.F. Klein, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #7702)

The RH-1 was a single seat portable ultra-light helicopter which could be airdropped. The intended user was the US Marine Corps but the programme was conducted by the US Navy. Although it appears only one was built, photos exist of a conversion with a frame as well as a backpack version. This latter version is shown with military markings but there is no evidence of a serial. The RH-1 flew for the first time on 15 April 1954 and was extensively tested leading to a similar Sky Hook version. The aircraft had completed some 300 test flights by the summer of 1960, when it was damaged beyond repair. Some reference sources use RF-1, probably an error.

Rumpler CL-III Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: One aircraft with type designation CL-III was tested by the US Army with serial 94090. Its former German serial was 13023. Note that reference books do not identify a Rumpler CL-III.

Rumpler Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: Various Rumpler aircraft with serials 94065, 94066, 94067, 94091 and 94092 were tested by the US Army.

Rutan PARLC The Power Augmented Ram Landing Craft (PARLC) was a boat developed for the US Navy and not an aircraft.

Rutan VZ-10 Specifications: span: 26’, 7.92 m length: engines: 1 Lycoming O-235 max. speed:

(Source: via S. Beaumort)

A Rutan VZ-10 with serial 00-0241, was used by the US Army in its Threat Support Activity programmes to simulate cruise missiles and UAV in war games scenarios. It was probably the aircraft with c/n 1241 and was later reserialled as 08-21241.

Ryan Flex Bee Specifications: span: length: engines: 1 McCulloughMC-40 max. speed:

(Source: Ryan?)

Reconnaisse drone that used the flex wing technology. The proposal was made to the USMC in the early 1960s and eight were delivered for tests by May 1963. They were launched on a rail and the vehicle was relatively small.

SAI S-2 Specifications: diameter: length: engines: max. speed: The S-2 was an Italian designed dirigible of which one was obtained by the US Navy with serial 1212.

Salmson ? Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: A Salmson aircraft of unknown type was tested by the US Army with serial 94110. It was also flown with Project serial P-159.

Scaled Composites 61 Long-Ez Specifications: span: 26’2”, 7.98 m length: 16’9”, 5.11 m engines: PDE + rocket max. speed:

(Source: via S. Beaumort)

The Air Force Research Lab used a heavily modified Long-Ez named Borealis to test a pulsed detonation engine. It made its first and only flight on 31 January 2008. The aircraft was registered as N90EZ (c/n 319) and was also serialled 03-001, although this serial has also been associated with an aircraft registered as N617AB (c/n 1186). The engine consisted of four tubes producing pulse detonations at a frequency of 80 Hz, creating up to 200 pounds of thrust. The fuel consisted of a refined octane was used for this flight. A small rocket system was used to facilitate the liftoff of the Long-EZ, but the PDE operated under its own power for 10 seconds at an altitude of approximately 30 m. Upon completion of the test programme the aircraft was placed in the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, OH.

Schaefer RS Specifications: span: 26’6”, 8.08 m length: 20’0”, 6.10 m engines: 1 Gnome 9 max. speed: The RS was a light pursuit trainer of which one was ordered by the US Army on 17 January 1918 with serial 39061. The first flight was earlier on 9 December 1917. It was also referred to as Schiefer RS.

Schreck FBA 17 Refer OO

Seversky SEV-1 Specifications: span: 36', 10.97 m length: 25'2", 7.67 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-9 max. speed: 281 mph, 452 km/h

(Source: Frank Rezich, via Aerofiles.com)

The SEV-1 was a single seat fighter which flew for the first time in 1937 as a civil aircraft with registration NX-1254. Also referred to as NF-1 and NV-1, it was transferred to the US Navy on 24 September 1937 for evaluation at Anacostia. Some references sources suggest it was designated as XNF-1, however, other sources suggest the XNF-1 designation was a company one, meaning ‘experimental navy fighter 1’. This implies that the XNF-1 was, at best, unofficial, or even an ‘invention’ by subsequent historians. Whatever the case, the aircraft was not procured and no serial was assigned. Some reference sources have also suggested that there was a second aircraft with registration NX-1257, although such a registration is not known and may represent a printing error. Refer also to F-35, F-41

Severksy SEV-3 Specifications: span: 36’, 10.87 m length: 24’4”, 7.42 m engines: 1 Wright J6 max. speed: 210 mph, 338 km/h

(Source: David Horn, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #10944)

It is believed that the Seversky SEV-3, registered as NX2106 and flying for the first time in June 1933, was tested as XA-944 although some references a Sikorsky amphibian aircraft that was tested as XC-944. It has been suggested that Sikorsky was a typing error for Severesky although that seems to be inconsistent with the designation, ie XC v XA.

Shorts SD3-30 Refer to C-23

Siemens-Schuckert D-III Specifications: span: 27'8", 8.43 m length: 18'9", 5.72 m engines: 1 Siemens Halske Sh39 max. speed: 112 mph, 180 km/h One D-III was ordered by the US Army with serial 64347. Alternatively, it may have been a D-IV.

Sikorsky S-37B Specifications: span: 100’0”, 30.48m length: 44’0”, 13.41m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1690 max. speed: 135 mph, 217 km/h

(Source: Sikorsky?)

In April 1927, Igor Sikorsky made an offer to Consolidated to jointly produce a bomber for the US Army competition. Based on the S-37, the S-37B was also known as Consolidated 11 Guardain. Registered as NX3698, it was tested by the USAAF with Project serial XP-496 but its poor performance failed to attract a contract. Consolidated also lost interest and the aircraft was rebuilt in 1929 by Sikorsky as a transport with two 675hp P&W Hornets, which were later replaced by Gnome Rhone Jupiter engines. Rebuilt again and reregistered in 1934 as NR942M, it crashed at sea in 1934.

Sikorsky S-72 Specifications: rdm: 62', 18.90 m length: 70'7", 21.51 m engines: 2 General Electric T58-GE-5 max. speed: 345 mph, 555 km/h

(Source: NASA)

Known as the Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) the S-72 was a joint Army/Navy/NASA programme to test various helicopter configurations. The first flight as a helicopter took place on 12 October 1976. The aircraft was later fitted with 45'1", 13.75 m span stubwings and two TF34 engines and flew as such for the first time on 10 April 1978. On 8 May 1984 one of the aircraft had the rotor removed and flew as a fixed wing aircraft after which an X-wing configuration was fitted. It was never flown in that configuration. Two aircraft were built which, despite military funding, did not receive a military designation or serials. Instead they received NASA registrations NASA740/741 whilst NASA 545 was also used for the first aircraft.

Sikorsky S-75 Specifications: rdm: 44', 13.41 m length: 43’8", 13.31 m engines: 2 Allison 250-C30S max. speed: 184 mph, 296 km/h

(Source: Johan Visschedijk, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #7255)

Developed for the US Army in the Advanced Composite Airframe Programme (APAC) one aircraft was ordered in February 1981. It flew for the first time in July 1984. Like the Bell D292, it did not receive a designation. The serial is not known.

Sopwith Baby Specifications: span: 25'8", 7.82 m length: 22'10", 6.96 m engines: 1 Clerget max. speed: 92 mph, 148 km/h The Baby seaplane scout was used by the US Navy in Europe with British serials. Five aircraft were sent to the US for further tests. They received serials A-407 and A-869/872. Of these A-407 came via Canada.

Sopwith Camel Specifications: span: 28', 8.53 m length: 19'6", 5.94 m engines: 1 Clerget 9-BC max. speed: 114 mph, 183 km/h

(Source: US Navy?)

The US Navy obtained four Camel F1s with serials A-5658/5659 and A-5729/5730 as well as four Camel 2F1s with serials A5721/5724, although it has been suggested that A-5729/5730 were cancelled. Another three aircraft with serials A-5731/5733 were cancelled. The US Army tested one aircraft with serial 94069 as well as Project serial P-99 although in some references this aircraft has been identified as serial 94063. Another known serial is 94073.

Sopwith Dolphin Specifications: span: 32'6", 9.91 m length: 22'3", 6.78 m engines: 1 Hispano Suiza V max. speed: 127 mph, 204 km/h In October 1918, the American Expeditionary Force purchased five standard Dolphin Mk Is for evaluation, sending four back to the United States where one was tested with serial 94071.

Sopwith Dragon Specifications: span: 31'1", 9.47 m length: 21'9", 6.63 m engines: 1 ABC Dragonfly max. speed: 150 mph, 241 km/h The Dragon was a development of the Sopwith Snipe of which 76 were built. One was procured by the US Army with serial 94106 and was used for evaluation.

Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter Specifications: span: 33'6", 10.21 m length: 25'3", 7.70 m engines: 1 Clerget max. speed: 100 mph, 161 km/h

(Source: US Navy?)

22 ex French Navy 1 1/2 Strutter aircraft were procured by the US Navy with serials A-5660, A-5725/5728 and A-5734/5750.

Sopwith Pup Specifications: span: 26'6", 8.08 m length: 19'10", 6.05 m engines: 1 Le Rhone max. speed: 112 mph, 180 km/h Two Pups were procured by the US Navy with serials A-5655/5656.

Sopwith Salamander Specifications: span: 31'3", 9.53 m length: 19'6", 5.94 m engines: 1 Bentley BR2 max. speed: 125 mph, 201 km/h The Salamander was a ground attack development of the Sopwith Snipe of which 82 were built. One was supplied to the US Army with serial 94072 and was used for evaluation with Project serial P-75.

Sopwith Schneider Specifications: span: 25’8”, 7.82 m length: 22’10”, 6.96 m engines: 1 Gnome Monosoupape max. speed: 92 mph, 148 km/h The Sopwith Schneider was a seaplane based on the Sopwith Tabloid. It was put into production in 1914. One was procured by the US Navy with serial A-394. According to Royal Navy records it had Royal Navy serial 3765 and was passed on to the Canadian Navy without an engine before it went to the US Navy.

Sopwith Snipe Specifications: span: 30'1", 9.17 m length: 19'9", 6.02 m engines: 1 Bentley BR2 max. speed: 121 mph, 195 km/h The Snipe was a single seat fighter of which 497 were built. One was procured by the US Army with serial 94016 although this serial has been disputed in more recent reference sources. It was also flown with Project serial P-149.

Spad 7C1 Specifications: span: 25'8", 7.82 m length: 20'3", 6.17 m engines: 1 Hispano 8Aa max. speed: 122 mph, 196 km/h Out of the 189 7C1 aircraft used in Europe, the US Army took two back to the US for evaluation with serial 94075 and 94099. Aircraft 94099 was also flown with Project serial P-156.

Spad 13 Specifications: span: 26'6", 8.08 m length: 20'4", 6.20 m engines: 1 Wright Hispano E max. speed: 139 mph, 224 km/h

(Source: D.J. Hegland, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #3421)

From 8 October 1917 the US Army ordered the construction of 3000 Spad 13s by Curtiss with serials 5376/8375, cancelled on 28 January 1918 and replaced by orders for 1500 in serial block 19903/22403 and 1500 in serial block 25809/29058, which were also cancelled. In addition two French built aircraft were tested with serials 94074 and 94101 which were also flown with Project serials P-12 and P-154 respectively. A number of Spad 13E aircraft were remanufactured for the US Army by Eberhart with serials 23-938/948 and 24-015/020.

Spad 16 Specifications: span: 36’9”, 11.20 m length: 25’3”, 7.70 m engines: 1 Lorraine 8Bb max. speed: 116 mph, 187 km/h Some reference sources suggest that one Spad 16 was procured by the US Army with serial 9392. This serial is in a cancelled batch of De Havilland DH-9.

Spartan C2-165 Specifications: span: 40’, 12.19 m length: 22’5”, 6.83 m engines: 1 Jacobs L-3 max. speed: 93 mph, 150 km/h

(Source: Spartan?, via secretprojects.co.uk)

The Spartan C2-165 was an instrument trainer developed by Spartan for the Spartan School of Aeronautics. Two were built with registrations NC992N and NC993N and one was tested by the USAAF as XPT-913.

Sperry Night Bomber Specifications: span: 48’, 14.63 m length: 31’6”, 9.60 m engines: 1 Liberty 12 max. speed: 91 mph, 146 km/h

(Source: Bernard Klein, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #11239)

A nightbomber design of which one was supplied to the US Navy with serial A-5243 and three others with serials A-5244/5246 were cancelled.

Sperry Messenger Refer to M-1.

SCDA O.1 Specifications: diameter: length: engines: max. speed: The 0.1 was an airship built by the Stabilimento Construzioni Dirigibli & Aerostati in Italy and of which the US Navy procured one in 1919 with serial A-5587.

Stearman X-70 Sportster Specifications: span: 32'2", 9.80 m length: 24'10", 7.57 m engines: 1 Lycoming R-680-5 max. speed: 115 mph, 185 km/h

(Source: Aerofiles.com)

A model X70 Sportster, registered as NX571Y, was evaluated by the USAAC evaluation as XPT-943. From this the Kaydet primary trainer evolved.

SSZ Specifications: diameter: 35’6”, 10.82 m length: 165’, 50.29 m engines: 2 Rolls Royce Hawk max. speed: 50 mph. 80 km/h During World War II, the US Navy operated several British built Submarine Scout Zero (SSZ) airships from bases in the United Kingdom and France. These had been built by the Government Balloon Factory at Farnborough. Unlike other foreign airships – which were operated with their foreign identification – two of these received US Navy serials. One received serial A-1029 and was previously known as SSZ-24. The second, A-1030, was previsouly known as SSZ-23 and, based on the US Navy Aircraft record, was accepted and then cancelled. The latter may be the a consequence of the ffact that the original SSZ-23 was destroyed by a fire and was replaced by another airship, also designated SSZ-23 on 22 November 1917. Other references state that it was later reserialled as A-5563. These two airships were also known by the designation OSS. The serials A-5473/5482 have also been associated with Submarine Scout (SS) airships transferred to the US Navy. These had a diameter of 27’11”, 8.50 m, a length of 143’6”, 43.74 m and were driven by 2 Rolls Royce Hawk engines giving them a max. speed of 50 mph, 80 km/h. Transported to the United States in 1919 most of these airships were found to be in poor condition and were placed in storage until they were eventually scrapped. They probably never flew in the United States. There has also been a reference to three Sea Scout Twin (SST) airships used by the US Navy although there appear to be no serials assigned to these airships and they may have been used exclusively in Europe.

Standard E Specifications: span: 24', 7.32 m length: 18'10", 5.74 m engines: 1 Gnome B9 max. speed: 100 mph, 160 km/h

(Source: Dan Shumaker, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #7756)

A single seat biplane fighter used as a trainer, two prototypes of the E.1 were built as well as 33 production aircraft with the Gnome engine and 23 production aircraft with a Le Rhone C9 engine. The US Army ordered the aircraft from 13 December 1917 with serials 33769/33770, 44542/44577, 47289, 47515 and 49123/49212. Of these aircraft 44556 was also flown with Project serial P-55. Orders for a further 343, including 33771/33774 and 49213/49544 were cancelled. Three aircraft were converted as MAT. Several aircraft were also known as M-Defense of which it has been suggested that 55 were built in E.1 serial blocks, possibly indicating that they were conversions. These included serials 44575/44577, 49128, 49156/49212. Ten of the M-Defense went to the US Navy with serials A4218/4227.

Standard H Specifications: span: 40'6", 12.34 m length: 28'3", 8.61 m engines: 1 Hall Scott A5 max. speed: 83 mph, 134 km/h

(Source: USAAS?)

A single seat aircraft originally built by Sloan, three H.2s were ordered by the US Army on 5 June 1916 with serials 82/84. Thirteen H.3s were also supplied with serials 85/93 and 137/140. They had a span of 40'1", 12.22 m, length of 27', 8.23 m and were used as trainers. The H.4H version was supplied to the US Navy. The three aircraft had serials A-137/139.

Standard J Specifications: span: 44', 13.41 m length: 26'7", 8.10 m engines: 1 Hall Scott A7a max. speed: 70 mph, 113 km/h

(Source: Wiggins Fitz, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #4192)

A two-seat primary trainer developed from the Sloan H.2. The J.1 version, to which the specifications apply, was also known as SJ.1 and were ordered by the US Army from 30 October 1916 with serials 193/210. The JR.1 was a fighter trainer with a span of 42'10", 13.06 m, length of 27'2", 3.28 m and a Hispano A engine. The aircraft was evaluated only with serial 25804 whilst 5 were ordered on 14 December 1917 with serials 34225/34229. Later six JR.1Bs with a Hall Scott engine were built for the US Army with serials 42111/42116. The SJ.1 was similar to the J.1 except for the Curtiss OX-5 engine. 750 were built by Standard, 400 by Dayton Wright, 400 by Fisher Body and 51 by Wright Martin. The first order was placed on 28 July 1917. Serials were 957/1056, 1657/2056, 2325, 2337, 2355/2404, 4376/4975, 9111, 9241, 22404/22803, 41208/41357 and 41410. Aircraft with serials 557/956, 2305/2324, 2326/2336, 2338/2354, 4376/4375, 8876/9275 and 33059/33458 were cancelled.

Standard SJ Refer to Standard J

Standard Twin Hydro D Specifications: span: 69'2", 21.08 m length: 33'4", 10.16 m engines: 2 Hall Scott A7A max. speed: 78 mph, 126 km/h The Twin Hydro D was a twin float reconnaissance aircraft of which one was ordered by the US Army on 9 December 1916 with serial 364. It was delivered in August 1917 and a further 31, with serials 365/395, were cancelled.

Standard Seaplane Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: The US Navy ordered a seaplane with serial A-91.

Standard Twin Seaplane Specifications: span: length: engines: 2 max. speed: The US Navy ordered a seaplane with serial A-92 but this order was cancelled.

Stinson Reliant Refer to GQ

Stinson SM ? Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: The US Navy impressed a Stinson SM aircraft of unknown design with serial 09786.

Stout Cootie Specifications: span: 18’, 5.49 m length: engines: 1 Sperry Wills two cycle max. speed: In 1919 Stout designed a high-wing monoplane from which all struts, wires, and other wind obstructions had been eliminated. It was completely revolutionary in design and appearance. It was to be tested at McCook Field with Project serial P-83 but, during initial test at Morrow Field in Detroit in March 1919, the engine refused to run and the aircraft never flew. Other references suggest, however, that several flights were made with the aircraft at McCook Field. On 17 June 1919 it was transferred to the Lewis & Vought company.

Stout SV Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: One SV was procured by the US Navy with serial A-6072. It was probably cancelled.

Sturtevant B Specifications: span: 30’7”, 9.32 m length: 23’3”, 7.09 m engines: 1 Sturtevant A5 max. speed:

(Source: via Aerofiles.com)

Four model B aircraft were ordered by the US Army on 8 November 1916 with serials 277/280. The first aircraft, 277, flew for the first time on 20 March 1917 but crashed on that flight. The remaining three aircraft were then cancelled.

Sturtevant S Specifications: span: 48'7", 14.81 m length: 29', 8.84 m engines: 1 Sturtevant 5 max. speed: 75 mph, 121 km/h

(Source: US Navy?)

Seven models S were ordered by the US Army on 8 August 1916 with serials 110/111 and others whilst four with serials 64/67 were cancelled. These serials were later reassigned. The US Navy received 12 with serials A-76/81 and A-128/133. A-76 was originally serialled as AH-24. The S.4 version had a Sturtevant 5A engine and a span of 48'8", 14.83 m. Four were ordered by the US Army from 12 September 1916 with serials 126/129. A further order for 211/228 was placed in January 1917 of which 216/228 were cancelled.

Sturtevant Trainer Specifications: span: 38’0”, 11.58 m length: 25’0”, 7.62 m engines: 1 Sturtevant 5 max. speed: 80 mph, 129 km/h Training aircraft originally ordered by the US Army on 31 October 1918 with serials 211/228. Eventually only the first five, with serials 211/215 were completed, the remainder being cancelled. Serials 211/228 are sometimes connected with the S.4.

Sturtevant Steel Trainer Specifications: span: length: engines: 1 Sturtevant 5A max. speed: One Steel Trainer was ordered by the US Army on 2 February 1918 with serial 40007. Some reference sources name the aircraft as Victor Advanced Trainer.

Sturtevant ? Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: One Sturtevant aircraft of unknown type was tested by the US Army with serial 94076.