NA-50

The North American NA-50 Torito was a World War II fighter aircraft manufactured in the United States in the low wing configuration with the landing gear retracted in flight in the classic configuration. The flight of the prototype took place in May 1939. The drive was provided by a single engine Wright R-1820-G3 with 840 hp. The deck armament consisted of two 7.62 mm Browning M1919 machine guns. The NA-50 Torito plane was developed by the North American Aviatio aviation company as a light, easy to use and manufacture fighter plane dedicated to export markets. In order to shorten the research and development work, the design of the new fighter was largely based on the design of the NA-16 training machine. During the tests, the machine turned out to be relatively easy to pilot, maneuverable, but with a relatively low maximum speed. Despite the latter shortage, it was purchased - 7 pieces - by the Peruvian Air Force. It is worth adding that the NA-50 aircraft was also the basis for the development of the NA-68 machines. NA-50 Torito planes were used in combat during the Peruvian-Ecuador war in 1941-1942.