Ryan PT-22 "Recruit"
RYAN PT-22 "RECRUIT"
Primary trainers represented the first of three stages of military flight training--primary,
basic, and advanced. Prior to 1939, the Air Corps relied entirely on biplanes as primary
trainers, but in 1940 it ordered a small number of Ryan low-wing civilian trainers and
designated them as PT-16s. They were so successful that the Air Corps then ordered large
numbers of improved versions, among them the PT-22. By the time production was completed in
1942, 1,023 PT-22s had been delivered. Twenty-five additional trainers, ordered for the
Netherlands, were taken over by the Air Corps in 1942 and designated as PT-22As.
The aircraft above is on display at the AirForce Museum.
Flying examples of the PT-22 can be seen at air shows around the country.
SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 30 ft. 1 in.
Length: 22 ft. 7 1/2 in.
Height: 7 ft. 2 in.
Weight: 1,860 lbs. maximum
Armament: None
Engine: Kinner R-540 of 160 hp..
Cost: $10,000
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 125 mph.
Cruising speed: 100 mph.
Range: 205 miles
Service Ceiling: 15,400 ft.