The L-17 was designed by North American Aviation (acronym NAVION) after the end of WWII to fulfill the anticipated need of all the pilots returning from the war. This didn't work out as planned and the NAVION design and tooling was sold to the Ryan Aeronautical Company shortly after start of production.
Ryan produced a military variant of the NAVION designated L-17 which was originally intended as a "Liaison" or support aircraft. Although the L-17 was never intended as a fighter, they were among the first aircraft to see combat during the Korean Conflict.
Navion N4244K Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Ryan Aeronautical - 1948
- Speed: 155 knots (178 mph)
- Weight: 2850 lbs
- Height: 8ft 7in
- Wing Span: 33ft 5in
- Engine: Continental IO-520-BB 285HP Fuel Injected