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BRAZILIAN AIR FORCE FAB * - BRAZILIAN AIR FORCE

23)NORTH AMERICAN NA 44


Total received: 30


Characteristics:   


Crew: 2   


Engine: One 890 hp Wright Cyclone R-1820 radial piston engine.   


Dimensions:


Span: 42 ft 10 in.   


Length: 29,0 ft.   


Height: 11 ft 8 in.   


Wing Area: 253 sq ft.  


Weight: Empty: 4,158 lb.   


Max. T.O. Weight: 5,250 lb   


Max. Speed: 205 mph.   


Cruising Speed: 170 mph.   


Service Ceiling: 23,000 ft.   


Range: 750 mi.  


Armament: None.   


Cost: $17,000 US.   


The versatile North American NA-44 was received through the first semester 1940 to serve as advanced trainers. 30 aircraft were brought manned by Brazilian crews which opened a new ferry system in 5 independent squadrons of 6 airplanes each. The long journey extended from 34º N parallel downwards to 34º S parallel, thus covering a distance of incredible 8100 miles. Those brave pilots faced a widely variety of adverse meteorological conditions when they flew over the inhospitable Andes natural chain with snow covered peaks rising up to  20 000 foot literally splitting the South American continent.   


This constituted a majestic obstacle for the success of the operation of flying those tiny and slow machines over those vast barrens landscapes. All 30 airplanes and their pilots managed to complete the exhaustive journey and that was a clear demonstration of the highly professional qualities of Brazilian pilots. Except small change in the previous itinerary they made the following stops:   


LOS ANGELES- PHOENIX- EL PASO- SAN ANTONIO-  BROWNSVILLE-VERA CRUZ- GUATEMALA CITY –MANAGUA- DAVID –RIO HATO –CRISTOBAL – TURBO – CALI –POPAYAN – DOS RIOS – GUAYAQUIL – TALARA – LIMA – ARICA – ANTOFAGASTA – VALOMAR – SANTIAGO – VILA MERCEDES – BUENOS AIRES – PORTO ALEGRE – FLORIANOPOLIS – SÃO PAULO – RIO DE JANEIRO, as their final destination at Afonsos Field, The Brazilian Army Air Corps Headquarters.   



The map shows the long journey in which Brazilian crews brought all aircrafts.   



Above a newly acquired NA-44 still attached to the Brazilian Army Air Corp, once Brazilian Air Force would be created late in 1941.



Above, one NA 44 from Brazilian Air Force seen under maintenance at the tail wheel.


 

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