Technical Specifications

  • Max Speed: 115 mph
  • Cruising Speed: 92 mph
  • Range: 368 miles
  • Service Ceiling: 15,000 feet
  • Wingspan: 40’ 5”
  • Length: 31’ 9”
  • Height: 13’ 10”
  • Weight: 2, 900 lbs max

Armament

none

Engine

245hp Franklin 0-425-9, flat 6

General Information

At the end of World War II, the U.S. Army began to search for a replacement for the small, light liaison aircraft that were highly utilized throughout the war for artillery observation, forward air controllers, officer transport, and other duties. By 1945, the Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft Corporation, better known as Convair, developed the L-13 Grasshopper. It is much larger than its predecessors and was meant to be used for observation and as an air ambulance. Designed as a STOL (short takeoff and landing) aircraft, the L-13 can take off in 230 feet with full flaps extended, and can land with an airspeed as low as 44 mph. The most unique features of this aircraft are the foldable wings and horizontal stabilizers, and the rotating landing gear legs that make it possible for the L-13 to be towed behind a jeep. The engineers set out to design an extremely versatile airplane with almost limitless accessibility. The aircraft was said to be capable of being towed in the air by a C-47, started in the air, and flown the remainder of the way to its destination, although this theory was never tested. 

Despite its apparent usefulness, the L-13 missed the mark in an era when helicopters were becoming a more viable option to perform the same duties. Only 300 L-13s were ordered by the Army and they were never used in combat. 

Specific Information

This aircraft is extremely rare. It is the only airworthy example of an L-13B in the original configuration. A total of 28 L-13B models were produced with modifications for cold weather operations, including cabin heat and hot air ducting. Many of L-13s were modified and were converted to different powerplant options to be utilized as passenger planes in the Caribbean, and bush planes in Alaska.  

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