Northrop 3A

Based on the design of the XFT, the Model 3A was developed as a contender in the US Army's Materiel Division competition for a successor to the P-26 in service with the USAAC. A low-wing all-metal semi-monocoque monoplane with fully-retractable main undercarriage members and an enclosed cockpit, the Model 3A was powered by a Pratt & Whitney SR-1535-6 Twin Wasp Junior 14-cylinder radial engine rated at 700hp for take-off. It had provision for one 7.62mm and one 12.7mm gun in the fuselage. Completed in July 1935, it was briefly tested at Wright Field where it was found to be somewhat unstable and prone to spinning. Returned to the manufacturer for modification, the Model 3A was under test over the Pacific on 30 July, but failed to return, no trace of the aircraft nor its pilot ever being found. The design of the Model 3A was subsequently sold to Chance Vought Aircraft which further developed it as the V-141.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1276 x 816)