Ryan NYP Long-Range Monoplane

The Ryan NYP was a purpose-built long-range development of the Ryan M-2, designed for Charles Lindbergh’s New York–Paris flight. The National Air and Space Museum documents a longer fuselage, increased wingspan and redesigned structure to carry a larger fuel load. Moving the cockpit aft and the engine forward allowed fuel to be placed near the centre of gravity, with a periscope providing limited forward vision. The design was embodied in the Spirit of St. Louis; this entry describes the aircraft design, while the museum airframe has its own physical identity.