The SNJ-4 is a derivative of a trainer ordered by the U. S. Army. North American Aviation entered the aircraft designed by J. H. “Dutch” Kindelberger, J. L. Atwood and H. R. Raynor-in the U.S. Army Basic Training Competition in 1935. During World War II, the SNJ-4 and its derivatives became the advanced trainer for the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force among many other air forces.