NA-50 of the Peruvian Air Force – Building Scale Model Aircraft

NA-50 of the Peruvian Air Force

Only 7 NA-50 were ever produced, and they were sold to Perú. The P-68 was a variant of the NA-50. The 7 North American NA-50 were delivered to Perú in 1939. In 1941 four of them participated in the war against the Republic of Ecuador. One of these planes was used by Captain José Quiñones to destroy a group of anti-aircraft guns by crashing his plane against the enemy installations.

NA-50 flown by Captain José Abelardo Quiñones hero of the Peruvian Air Force.

One original NA-50 still survives in Perú, and it stands next to the Mausoleum of Captain José Quiñones.

Serial Numbers: 50-948 to 50-954. The registry numbers the Cuerpo Aeronáutico of Perú assigned are XXI-41-1 to XXI-41-7. The NA-50 was in operation in Perú until 1950.

The last survivor of the NA-50 is on display at the Air Force base of “Las Palmas” in Lima, Peru. Photo courtesy of Sergio de la Puente.

The last surviving NA-50 at the Peruvian Air Force Base of Las Palmas in Lima, Perú.

The Model Kit

Chosen Configuration:

The North American NA-50 was in service with the “Cuerpo Aeronautico del Peru” – Peruvian Air Force, extended landing gear, metallic finish.

Markings:

Peruvian Flag (Red and white) on the rudder. The Aerial Group Number follows the airplane serial number in black text over a red triangle. Peruvian Air Force insignia on top of the right wing and under the left wing. Drawing of an archer on the left and right side of the cowling.

The Reference Material

Diagrams:

The diagram below shows three views of the NA-50. One of the first fighters with retractable landing gear.

Photos:

The black & white picture below was obtained from the Aero-Photography Service of the Peruvian Air Force and shows a North American AT-6 at the Air Force base of “Las Palmas” in Lima, Peru. The airplane shows its full metallic finish and the insignias of the Peruvian Air Force.

North American NA-50 belonging to the Cuerpo Aeronautico del Perú.

The North American NA-50 – General Specifications

Crew: One
Length: 27 ft (8.23 m)
Wingspan: 37 ft 3 in (11.35 m)
Height: 19 ft 8 in (5.99 m)
Wing area: 227 ft² (21.1 m²)
Empty weight: 4,660 lb (2,114 kg)
Loaded weight: 5,990 lb (2,717 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 6,800 lb (3,080 kg)
Powerplant: 1× Wright R-1820-77 radial engine, 870 hp (649 kW)

Performance:

Maximum speed: 270 mph (435 km/h) at 8,700 ft (2,650 m)
Range: 965 mi (1,550 km)
Service ceiling: 27,500 ft (8,400 m)
Wing loading: 26 lb/ft² (129 kg/m²)
Power/mass: 0.13 hp/lb (0.21 kW/kg)

Armament:

2 × .30 in (7.62 mm) machine guns
2 × 20 mm cannons
Up to 400 lb (180 kg) of bombs