| L-13 Grasshopper | |
|---|---|
| |
| Note the windows in the roof giving excellent field of vision | |
| Role | Observation and Utility Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Stinson Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 1945 |
| Introduction | 1947 |
| Primary users | United States Air Force United States Army |
| Number built | 302 |
The Stinson L-13 (sometimes known as the Grasshopper, like other aircraft of its type) was a US military utility aircraft first flown in 1945.
The aircraft design was developed at Stinson in response to a request from the United States Army Air Force for a light observation/liaison aircraft. At that time Stinson was a subsidiary of Consolidated-Vultee. The first two prototypes were constructed at the Stinson facility in Michigan.[1] In 1948 the Convair board were restructuring their various units, and negotiated to sell the Stinson subsidiary to Piper Aircraft. The L-13 project was specifically not included in the assets of the sale, however, and Convair continued its production in-house; ultimately building 300 units as the Convair L-13.
It was a conventional high-wing tailwheel monoplane used for observation, liaison, and air ambulance duties, which typically require low landing speeds and short landing rolls. It was fitted with a large "greenhouse" to enhance its observation role.
Following their military service and resale into the private market, some units were converted for civil bush flying use, fitting a radial engine by Acme Aircraft Company as the Centaur, while others underwent similar conversions by Caribbean Traders Inc, as the Husky.[2]
Data from General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors [22]
General characteristics
Performance
