North American L-17A 'Navion' | Planes of Fame Air Museum

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North American L-17A 'Navion'

HISTORY

Like many military liaison aircraft, the L-17 started as a civilian model. The NA 143 was a 4-seat low-wing mono- plane with a 185 hp engine. In a brilliant bit of marketing, the aircraft bore a striking resemblance to the P-51 D Mus- tang. Unlike the Mustang, however, the Navion had a tricycle landing gear which improved the pilot's visibility during ground operations. North American Aircraft built 1,109 in 1946-47.
The U.S. Army Air Force became interested in the aircraft in 1946, and ordered a militarized version, which became the prototype L-17. Several minor modifications were completed, and 83 L-17 As were purchased for liaison duty and as trainers for the ROTC program. Six additional aircraft were procured as unmanned drones.
In 1947, Ryan Aircraft of San Diego, CA acquired the rights to design and manufacture the airplane. Ryan obtained a contract from the U.S. Air Force for the L-17B model, and delivered 158 of these in 1948 and an additional 5 aircraft in 1949. Following this, production of new aircraft ended. However, Ryan was contracted to modify 35 L-17 As with improved braking systems and increased fuel capacity. These aircraft were designated as L-17Cs. In 1962, the L-17 was re-designated the U-18 ("U" representing "Utility"). Shortly thereafter, it was retired from service. Ryan produced a total of 1,240 Navions (civilian and military) between 1949 and 1951.
The Tubular Service and Engineering Co. (TUSCO) of Harlingen, TX then acquired the manufacturing rights, and began production in 1960. By 1964, when production ended, a total of 2,469 Navions had been manufacture by all parties, with 246 of these being L-17s.