The XNQ-1 basic/advanced trainer was developed for the U.S. Navy in 1946. Two prototypes were flown as XNQ-1 (BuNo. 75725 & 75726). Delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1947 for trials, they were rejected due to problems with exhaust fumes leaking into the cockpit. The first prototype was subsequently to receive a number of engine changes, first powered with a 320 hp Lycoming R-680-13, then finally with a horizontally opposed 350 hp Lycoming GSO-580. The aircraft was destroyed in a crash in 1950.
The second aircraft (BuNo. 75726), with a larger stabilizer, was evaluated by the United States Air Force in 1949 as a replacement for the AT-6, with the USAF selecting it on 24 March 1949 as a primary trainer. Designed to be aerobatic to teach pilots maneuvers, such as stalls, spins and rolls, Fairchild received a contract for 100 Model 129s under the USAF designation T-31. However, the order was cancelled later in 1949, in favor of the Beech T-34 Mentor.
Fairchild dropped plans to develop the design as the company concentrated on other production contracts, including the C-119 Flying Boxcar.
On June 10, 2024, the 75726 returned home to Hagerstown to be part of the collection of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum.

Published September 27, 2025 at 2000 × 1333 in AIRCRAFT