North American L-17 'Navion' Back to the Hangar Boeing Stearman Ryan PT-22 Fairchild PT-26 #55 Fairchild PT-26 #87 AT-6 Harvard DH Moth Minor Focke Wulf FW-44 Fleet Finch Cessna T-41 Taylorcraft L-2 Aeronca L-3 Champ Piper L-4 Cub Stinson L-5 Sentinel L-17 Navion C-47 Skytrain Beech C-45 North American L-17 'Navion' Owner: John Cutney & Tom Santos Status: Flying Specifications & Performance Wing Span 33' 5'' Max. Speed 163 mph Length 27' 4'' Cruise Speed 150 mph Gross Weight 2,950 lbs Range 700 miles Engine Continental O-470 (205 hp) Service Ceiling 11,000 ft Crew 1 + 3 Armaments: None / Capable of launching 3 illumination flares History The L-17 was used by the military services from the late 1940s through the early 1960s for liaison, reconnaissance and light cargo missions. It was originally designed for civilian use by North American Aviation, Inc. First flown in April 1946, the Army Air Force ordered 83 military versions under the designation L-17A. In the summer of 1947, the Ryan Aeronautical Company acquired the design and manufacturing rights from North American. Shortly thereafter, the Air Force ordered 163 improved Navions from Ryan as L-17Bs, the first of which was delivered in November 1948. Later the L-17As were converted to L-17Cs with improved brakes and more fuel capacity. All L-17s were designated as U-18s (Utility Aircraft) in 1962. The aircraft on display was built in 1947 by North American Aviation. Copyright © Commemorative Air Force, Inc. except as otherwise marked. All rights reserved.