Northrop / Douglas A-17 / Douglas 8A

Attack Aircraft

Northrop A-17A USAAC 36-0207 National Museum of the US Air Force © Karsten Palt
Photo ©: Karsten Palt
The Northrop A-17 resp. the Douglas 8A is a single-engine two-seat attack aircraft produced by the US-American manufacturer Northrop Corporation and later by the Douglas Corporation. A later variant was the Douglas A-33.
The Douglas 8A was also license-built by ASJA in Sweden designated by the Swedish Air Force B 5 (B 5A, B 5B, B 5C). The Douglas A-33 was powered by a more powerful engine and carried more weapons. The South African Air Force operated 60 A-17 designated as Nomad Mk I.
Crew2
Propulsion1 Radial Engine
Engine ModelPratt & Whitney R-1535-13 Twin Wasp Junior
Engine Power615 kW825 hp
max. Cruise Speed274 km/h148 kts
  170 mph
Speed354 km/h191 kts
  220 mph
Service Ceiling5.913 m19.400 ft
Range1.176 km635 NM
731 mi.
Empty Weight2.316 kg5.106 lbs
max. Takeoff Weight3.421 kg7.542 lbs
Wing Span14,55 m47 ft 9 in
Wing Area33,6 m²362 ft²
Length9,65 m31 ft 8 in
Height3,66 m12 ft 0 in
First Flight1933
Production Statusout of production
Production Range1935-1941
Total Productionca. 380
Developed fromNorthrop Gamma
Data for (Version)Northrop A-17A
VariantsNorthrop A-17, Douglas 8A, A-33