RYAN “NAVION”€

1946’€“51

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Navion aircraft has a multi-company production history, originating with North American Aviation in 1946 before moving to Ryan Co. and later Navion Aircraft Co. for further development.
  • Initially powered by a 185-hp engine, it underwent upgrades to 205-hp (Navion A) and 260-hp (Navion B/Super Navion), with North American and Ryan collectively producing over 2,000 units by 1951.
  • These engine enhancements led to significant performance improvements, with the 260-hp Super Navion offering higher cruise speeds (170 mph), better climb rates (1,250 ft/min), and a lower stall speed (55 mph) compared to the 205-hp model.
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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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