Ryan Navion is a low-wing, four-place, dual-control airplane powered by a single air-cooled engine. Clean aerodynamic design and structural sturdiness are evident in the all-metal, semi-monocoque construction. Retractable faired-in tricycle landing gear, steerable nose wheel, wing flaps, cabin sliding canopy, engine exhaust mufflers and cabin heater combination, and smartly upholstered interior, combine features reminiscent of military efficiency with modern private flying requirements of luxury and convenience. Safety and ease of control in all flight maneuvers are ensured by the inherent stability and balance of control forces characteristic of the airplane. High power, performance, and speed are supplied by the reliable power plant and variable pitch propeller installation. Years of engineering experience and advanced manufacturing technique have produced these qualities in the Navion.

The Navion B is designed for use in two categories, normal and utility. When operated in the normal category, the airplane may be flown as a private transport in nonscheduled passenger or cargo flights. When operated in the utility category, the airplane may be used for all normal and for limited acrobatic flight, including such maneuvers as are commonly used in pilot training (except for snap or inverted maneuvers and spins).

When the second world war ended North American Aviation, maker of the Harvard trainer (Americans call it A6, or Texan) and the superior P-51 Mustang needed to diversify with military contracts gone they turned to general aviation and designed this remarkable four place retractable cross country private aircraft. Some components like the landing gear bear distinct resemblance to P-51 parts and the tail is similar. North American put the aircraft into production and turned out 1,100 of them between 1946 and 1947. It has a 260hp Continental engine and except for upgrades to its panel, it is remarkably similar to the original.