Image:USAFM ap6.jpg

[edit] Summary

The L-3 liaison aircraft, originally designated O-58, is the military version of the Aeronca Model 65 "Defender." This high-wing, light airplane could operate from small, hastily-built flying fields. The Army ordered the first O-58s in 1941 to test the use of light aircraft for liaison and observation missions in direct support of ground forces. Between 1941 and 1943, Aeronca Aircraft Corp. of Middleton, Ohio, built more than 1,400 of these aircraft for the Army--875 of them were L-3Bs. During WW II, Aeronca L-3s joined similar "Grasshoppers" in artillery fire direction, courier service, front-line liaison and pilot training. In 1942, Aeronca developed the TG-5, a training glider based on the O-58. The three-seat glider had a front fuselage replacing the engine, but retained the rear fuselage, wings and tail of the powered version. Aeronca built 250 TG-5s for the Army.

The L-3B on display was built during WW II and found its way into private hands as surplus after the war. completely restored by its previous owner, Paul Grice of Waynesville, Ohio, the airplane was flown to the Museum on May 29, 1984.

[edit] References

Source: National Museum of the United States Air Force Aeronca L-3B "Grasshopper" retrieved January 4, 2006

[edit] Licensing

This image or file is a work of a U.S. Air Force Airman or employee, taken or made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image or file is in the public domain.

• Aeronca L-3
• Aeronca Defender