A tactical short-mid ranged reconnaissance variant of the NA-3 Lark.

FEATURES:

• Gun sight removed
• High Detail and Functionality
• Fully Detailed Fighter Cockpit with instruments (non-functioning)
• Good STOL abilities
• Animated Control Stick, throttle, and rudder pedals With Toe Brakes!
• Reflective Cockpit Mirrors
• Guns/Armament Removed (Unarmed)
  -3x Spy/Photographic Cameras
  

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"Invisible Pink" Paint Scheme Blends Right in with the Twilight Sunset Skies Click on this image to see colored version

Also Blends Well with a Nightly Overcast

3x Photographic Cameras Installed in the Airframe for taking Pictures of Enemy Territory

OPERATIONS:

AG-1 = ---
AG-2 = ---
AG-3 = ---
AG-4 = ---
AG-5 = ---
AG-6 = ---
AG-7 = Landing Lights
AG-8 = Nav, Beacon, and Strobe Lights
Trim = Trim
VTOL = Constant Speed Props (Manual Control; VTOL down for max power)
Throttle = Throttle/Power

ARMAMENT:

None

The NA-3R variant only has 3x cameras installed in the air frame. This aircraft's only defense is it's speed, maneuverability, and it's low-detection paint scheme.

NOTES/TIPS:

• This airplane is nearly prop-strike proof thanks to the landing gear's far-forward position.

• This aircraft is completely unarmed. All weapon systems were removed to lighten the aircraft. Your defense is speed, maneuverability, and being able to blend in with the twilight sky. Use these to your advantage to avoid being detected, or escape a pursuing aircraft.

VARIANTS/PAINT JOBS:

Original Nordan NA-3 Lark

BACK STORY:

Nordan NA-3R Twilight Lark, first flown in 1941.

Nordan launched it's NA-3R Twilight Lark variant in response to a need of a tactical reconnaissance aircraft that can take-off from rough airfields (thanks to it's STOL) and fly fast and nimble across enemy skies to photograph enemy positions and installations. The NA-3R Twilight Larks can be converted from standard Lark fighters or be ordered and produced right off the production line. It was widely exported to the allies, both in WW2 and in the North Atlantic War, although it was far more popular in the North Atlantic War theater. It's reliability, ruggedness, STOL abilities, speed, nimbleness, ease of maintenance, affordability, and the fact it can be converted from a standard model made it a champ in tactical reconnaissance.

When the NA-3R variant was introduced, Nordan's aircraft engine division released a fuel-injected model of their popular V8 AeroHorse, and along with the fuel-injected model came with more horsepower. Many NA-3's were equipped with the improved V8's, but it was mainly popular on the NA-3R to increase it's speed and efficiency in it's role of imagery intelligence. To further increase speed and maneuverability the NA-3R removes all gun components including the gunsight, and the gun triggered is rewired to take pictures with the cameras (pilot selects which of the 3x cameras and then pulls the trigger to snap a picture). The nose was also extended to house the main nose camera components. It was decided to keep the initial NA-3R single-seat, however when the two-seat Lark designs were introduced those two were used as recon aircraft with the Twilight Lark conversions.

The Twilight Lark is painted in an "invisible pink" paint scheme inspired by the RAF's recon Spitfires which were painted pink (and sometimes light/baby blue). This was because when flying against a pink sunset sky, especially on a relatively cloudy day, the aircraft blends right in with the sky and can skim enemy territories without being spotted. Then when night falls, it remains blended with the night sky so it can safely return to base.

The NA-3R Twilight Lark also acted as an interim recon aircraft until Nordan's Nightingale Project was finished. The Nightingale was a new dedicated reconnaissance aircraft being developed by Nordan at the time.

The NA-3R remained very popular especially among smaller air forces thanks to it's ease of operations. Conversion kits were well produced as long as the NA-3 Lark fighter remained in production.

One of the many variants of the Lark design to come, not to mention there will also be civilian variants of the Lark.

Enjoy this spy-in-pink, and Happy Flying! :)