Over 1200 PT-22 “Recruits” were built during 1942 by the Ryan Aeronautical Company in response to a U.S. Military requirement for a Primary Trainer (hence the “PT” designation) that was more challenging to fly than other machines of the day.
The concern at the time was that newly trained pilots were taking too long to convert on to machines such as the Harvard, thereby causing delays to their going on to fighting machines. The PT-22 filled this role well despite its unforgiving handling qualities and subsequent reputation as both a “flying brick” and a “pilot killer”.
This particular exhibit was issued to the United States Army air Corps at Hemet Field California in May 1942 and served throughout the war. Unusually, its flying history is continuous since its manufacture, being operated by several owners in the USA and flown regularly in the UK thereafter following its importation here in 1989.
Its distinctive “misfiring” engine note is due to the fact that the 5-cylinder Kinner R56 engine has three open exhaust stubs whereas the other two are directed into the carburettor heat exchanger, this muffling them to a greater degree. Its unusual “bird leg” undercarriage was designed to absorb both high side loads and high decent rates, beyond those that its contemporaries could withstand.
The cockpit area was designed to promote a high degree of survivability in the event of an accident, as borne out by the substantial external stringers between the cockpits and the “rollover” pylon ahead of the front windscreen. These features combined to form a protective “tub” for both occupants.
The combination of its tough undercarriage, forgiving of even the worst student landings, and its crashworthiness made it a very tough albeit a heavy machine.
This aircraft, one of only a handful in Europe in airworthy condition, is owned and flown in displays by Richard Piper.