The SEV-3 was an all-metal cantilever low-wing monoplane powered by a nose-mounted 420 hp (313 kW) Wright J-6 Whirlwind radial engine.

[3] The design influenced a long line of Seversky and later Republic aircraft, eventually leading to the development of the P-47 Thunderbolt.

A landplane version was used by the United States Army Air Corps as a basic trainer with the designation BT-8, 30 of which were ordered in 1935.

It replaced an O-38F, which was reassigned to the 21st Observation Squadron, GHQ Air Force, for general flying.

[6][7] Landplane trainer Data from United States Military Aircraft since 1909[9]General characteristics Performance