Northrop Gamma

Utility Aircraft

Northrop 2B Gamma, NR12269, c/n 2, National Air and Space Museum (DC) © Karsten Palt
Photo ©: Karsten Palt
The Northrop Gamma is a single-engine single-seat utility aircraft produced by the American manufacturer Northrop Corporation, at that time a subsidiary of Douglas Aircraft Corp.
It was used as an experimental aircraft, for record breaking flights and as a mail plane. It was also used as a light bomber and attack aircraft by Chinese forces. It was also license built in China. One Gamma 2B was called the Polar Star. It was used for a flight across the Antarctic for which the wheel landing gear was replaced by skis.
Crew1
Propulsion1 Radial Engine
Engine ModelWright SGR-1820F3 Cyclone
Engine Power529 kW710 hp
Speed400 km/h216 kts
  249 mph
Service Ceiling7.132 m23.400 ft
Range4.023 km2.172 NM
2.499 mi.
Empty Weight1.588 kg3.501 lbs
max. Takeoff Weight3.175 kg7.000 lbs
Wing Span14,63 m47 ft 12 in
Wing Area33,7 m²363 ft²
Length9,07 m29 ft 9 in
Height2,74 m8 ft 12 in
First Flight08/1932
Production Statusout of production
Production Range1932-1937
Total Production61
Data for (Version)Northrop Gamma

[Photo-ID: 10172] © Karsten Palt 2014-05-28
Northrop 2B Gamma, , NR12269, c/n 2,© Karsten Palt, 2014Northrop
2B Gamma
Reg.: NR12269
c/n: 2
 
Polar Star, last existing Northrop Gamma
National Air and Space Museum [Washington, DC]
[Photo-ID: 10173] © Karsten Palt 2014-05-28
Northrop 2B Gamma, , NR12269, c/n 2,© Karsten Palt, 2014Northrop
2B Gamma
Reg.: NR12269
c/n: 2
 
Polar Star, last existing Northrop Gamma
National Air and Space Museum [Washington, DC]