Northrop N-3PB queries

[alex crawford]

Hi,

I have some queries concerning the Northrop N-3PB floatplane that was operated by 330 Norwegian Sqn.

As all 24 of these aircraft were built by the USA for Norway would anyone know the serial/construction numbers for these aircraft. The survivor that is in Norway is referred to as 320/U. So would the serial/construction number range be 300-323 or 301-324?

From available photos the aircraft had numbers as well as the Sqn codes. For example GS-F also wore the number 22 above the fin flash. Was this number part of the serial/construction number?


Also four aircraft are reported to have been lost while training in Canada. I have been able to trace three of these:


Feb. 21 1941­ - N-3PB crashed into the sea off Point Atkinson, Vancouver killing Flight Pupil Erling Jorgenson and instructor Harald Kruse, both 25 years old.

18 Mar 1941 N-3PB crashed Vancouver, BC, Canada

20 Jun 1941 N-3PB crashed Toronto Bay, Canada

Anyone know the fourth N-3PB to be lost or any of the above crews? 18 N-3PBs were shipped to Iceland. What happend to the other 2 aircraft?

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,

Alex

[vingtor]

Originally Posted by alex crawford

As all 24 of these aircraft were built by the USA for Norway would anyone know the serial/construction numbers for these aircraft. The survivor that is in Norway is referred to as 320/U. So would the serial/construction number range be 300-323 or 301-324?

The construction numbers (not serial numbers) were 301-324. The first digit being the '3' in the type designation (Northrop - 3 - Patrol Bomber) while the latter two being the individual production number.

Originally Posted by alex crawford

From available photos the aircraft had numbers as well as the Sqn codes. For example GS-F also wore the number 22 above the fin flash. Was this number part of the serial/construction number?

Yes, the number on the fin was the individual production number. This number was originally painted on the fuselage, even the first period in Iceland after the application of RAF markings. When the squadron codes were introduced, the production number was moved to the fin on some aircraft.

Originally Posted by alex crawford

Also four aircraft are reported to have been lost while training in Canada. I have been able to trace three of these:

I must check my references at home.

Nils

[alex crawford]

Hi Nils,

Many thanks for clarifying the contructions numbers.

I have also read that two N-3PBs were returned to Norway after the war. Is this correct and if so do you know which aircraft they were?

Regards,

Alex

[vingtor]

Hi,

The aircraft that were lost in Canada, according to my list (in Cato Guhnfeldt's book) were:

303 - 21.02.41 - Pt. Atkinson, English Bay, Vancouver
305 - 18.03.41 - Vancouver
307 - 20.06.41 - Toronto

According to the same list, 20 aircraft were allocated RAF squadron codes. Apart from the 3 above, a/c 323 did not get squadron code. This was destroyed during an emergency landing on the Skejerja Fjord, Iceland 24.07.41 before being repainted with squadron codes.

The two aircraft that were brought to Norway were:
306 - S-AB
322 - S-AC
Although these were allocated Norwegian registrations, these were not painted on the aircraft.

Cheers,

Nils

[alex crawford]

Hi Nils,

Many thanks for the additional info. Were the two aircraft that returned to Norway used by any squadron or were they simply left and later scrapped?

Alex

[vingtor]

I have no information on what 306 was used for, other than it was first assigned to 330 Sqn. at Sola air base where it remained until it was scrapped in 1949.

322 was used as an instruction airframe at the RNAF Technical School at Kjevik until it was scrapped in 1956.

Nils

[alex crawford]

Hi Nils,

Thanks for the info.

Alex