L-5 Sentinel

L-5 Sentinel
275px
Type	Liaison / Observation / Light plane
Manufacturer	Stinson

The L-5 Sentinel began life as the pre-war Stinson model 105. The model 105 was nicknamed the "Voyager", built by the Stinson division of Consolidated Vultee. When the war broke out, the "Voyager" was pressed into service as a liaison aircraft. It also flew in the artillery spotter role and as an air ambulance. The military L-5's had their fuselages structurally reinforced and lengthened to accommodate two litter patients.

The L-5 was manufactured between October 1942 and September 1945, during which time a total of 3,590 of these unarmed, two-seat aircraft were built for the United States armed forces, making it the second most widely used light observation aircraft of the war. Personnel in all service branches commonly referred to it as the "Flying Jeep".

The L-5 was primarily constructed from steel tubing and plywood and was covered with doped cotton fabric.

Operational history

Capable of operating from forward unimproved airstrips, the L-5 "Sentinel" delivered information and needed supplies to the front line troops On the return trip, she would evacuate the badly wounded soldiers to rear area field hospitals for medical attention.

Variants

Three versions were produced for the US Army Air Force; the L-5 and L-5A standard two-seat short-range aircraft, the latter being identical to the L-5 except for having a 24 volt electrical system, and the L-5B, or Sentinel II, was adapted to carry a stretcher or light cargo.

The Navy / Marine version was known as the OY-1.

Units using this aircraft

The United States Army Air Force used this aircraft in the European and Pacific theater during World War II.

Over 3,000 L-5s were constructed and served with distinction in Europe and in the Pacific.

Postwar use and current status

After World War II, the L-5 was widely used by the Civil Air Patrol for search and rescue work. Today there are about 300 known examples left world wide and less than half are in flying condition. A group called the Sentinel Owners and Pilots Association is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of this aircraft type.

Specifications (L-5)

Data from March Field Air Museum web site

General characteristics

• Crew: 2 (pilot and observer)
• Length: 24 ft 1 in (7.34m)
• Wingspan: 34ft 0 in (10.36m)
• Height: 7 ft 11 in (2.41m)
• Wing area: 155 ft² (14.40m²)
• Empty weight: 1550 lb (702kg)
• Loaded weight: 2020 lb (916kg)
• Useful load: lb (kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 2050 lb (929kg)
• Powerplant: 1× Lycoming O-435-1 www.lost.eu/23484, 185hp (kW)

Performance

• Never exceed speed: 112.97 knots (130mph, 209km/h)
• Maximum speed: 112.97 knots (130mph, 209km/h)
• Cruise speed: 77.84 knots (90mph, 144km/h)
• Stall speed: knots (mph, km/h)
• Range: nm (420mi, 676km)
• Service ceiling: 15,800 ft (4,815.60m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min (m/s)
• Wing loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²)
• Power/mass: hp/lb (W/kg)