RYAN “NAVION”€

1946’€“51

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Navion aircraft was initially designed by North American Aviation in 1946, possibly borrowing features from the P-51 Mustang, and subsequently manufactured by several companies including Ryan Co. and Navion Aircraft Co.
  • The aircraft underwent engine upgrades, evolving from 185 hp to 205 hp (Navion A) and 260 hp (Navion B/Super Navion), with detailed performance specifications provided for the higher-powered variants.
  • North American and Ryan together produced over 2,000 Navions between 1946 and 1951, with further development continuing into the 1960s by the Navion Aircraft Co.
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STANDARD DATA: (205 hp) Seats 4. Gross wt. 2,750. Empty wt. 1,782. Fuel capacity 40. Engine 205-hp Continental.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 163. Cruise mph 155. Stall mph 75. Initial climb rate 1,110. Range 500. Ceiling 15,600. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,100. Landing distance (50′) 1,110.

STANDARD DATA: (Super Navion) Seats 4. Gross wt. 2,850. Empty wt. 1,930. Fuel capacity 40-60. Engine 260-hp Lycoming.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 174. Cruise mph 170. Stall mph 55. Initial climb rate 1,250. Ceiling 18,000. Range 415-640. Takeoff run 399. Landing run 468.

The Navion has been built at intervals by several companies. It began in 1946 as an original design by the North American Aviation Co. It is believed that many of the features were borrowed from North American’s highly successful fighter plane, the P-51 Mustang. North American was involved in the production for a relatively short time, and manufacture was transferred to the Ryan Co. The Navion of this era was powered by a 185-hp Continental. The engine was later boosted to 205 hp in the Navion A and 260 hp in the Navion B. North American and Ryan turned out over 1,000 Navions each from 1946 to 1951. Further development of the Navion design was carried out by the Navion Aircraft Co. established in 1961.

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