North American P-64

(Variants/Other Names: NA-50A; NA-68)

This page is under construction.

History: It is hard to believe the same company that built the famous P-51 Mustang also produced this dowdy little fighter for export in 1938. A single seat version of the NA-16 trainer, it had a slightly more powerful engine and two guns. It was built for small countries unable to maintain the more advanced fighters found in Europe.

Seven of these planes were built for Peru and delivered by May 1939, with the designation NA-50A. Six more aircraft were then built for the Royal Thai Airforce, under the designation NA-68. These had two extra cannons, heavier machine guns, and new wing and tail designs. Enroute to their new owners, Japan invaded Thailand and the shipment was turned around and sent back to the United States. There the NA-68s were redesignated the P-64 and used as advanced trainers for the US Army Air Corps.

Today, only a single original NA-68 remains airworthy, though several T-6 Texan trainers have been converted to closely resemble P-64s.   [History by David MacGillivray]

Links:
Joe Baugher's P-64 Page
Ken Carlomagno's NA-50A "Torito"
USAF Museum P-64 Page

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