Foley purchases historic biplane for new World War II exhibit

Just months after being named the state’s World War II Heritage City, Foley is buying a Navy training biplane used during World War II to be a part of the city’s plans for a museum exhibit.

The purchase was approved by the city council earlier this month.

Keep reading to find out more about the aircraft + Foley’s plans for its World War II museum.

1941 N3N biplane

This particular type of biplane was flown over the city by thousands of Navy aviators when they were being trained during the war. The N3N biplane is one of several models used at Foley’s training center at Barin Field.

“I think it’ll be a real winner for our city. This is something that could be a real jewel for our city.” 

~ Ralph Hellmich, Foley mayor

The N3N biplane was first manufactured and flown in 1935, with just under 1000 models built before it was retired in 1961. Some of the aircraft’s measurements included:

• 25-foot length
• 36-foot wingspan
• Max speed of 126 mph
• Top altitude of 15,200 feet

As a training plane, it also featured a speaking tube for an instructor in the backseat to communicate with a student in the front cockpit.

World War II exhibit

In December, Foley was selected as an American World War II Heritage City. The city has worked with the Navy to identify the ways Foley and Barin Field had an impact internationally and locally during the war.

“We want to have displays that really identify how Barin Field affected us as a city. Many people who live in Foley today are here because their father or grandfather came here to learn to fly for the Navy, and after the war, they came back here and they made Foley their home.” 

~ Mike Thompson, Foley city administrator

The city is expected to open an exhibit on Barin Field at the Foley Railroad Museum later this year. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said they are also developing a more extensive and permanent exhibition to include the biplane along with other historic aviation items.

Foley residents can also contribute to the planned exhibits. Anyone with items relating to Barin Field or Foley during World War II can loan or donate artifacts to be included. Photographs can be scanned and returned to the donors. 

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