Consolidated Vultee L-13
Specifications
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Crew: 1-3
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Speed: 115 mph
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Wingspan: 40 ft, 5.5 in
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Rate of Climb: 830 mph
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Length: 31 ft, 9 in
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Range: 368 mi
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Height: 13 ft, 5 in
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Ceiling: 15,000 ft
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Max take-off weight: 3,185 lbs
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Powerplant: Franklin O-425-9 air-cooled, flat-six engine
In 1945, the first Consolidated Vultee L-13s rolled off the Stinson/Consolidated assembly line. The US Army Air Corps wanted to expand their aircraft from L-3s and L-4s to the larger L-13s.
These unique aircraft were designed to make short take-offs and landings on makeshift airfields.
They were versatile being used as reconnaissance, liaison, and air ambulance aircraft. Additionally, they were able to collapse and fold the wings, tires, and struts so that the vehicle fit inside the width of a jeep track. This would make it easier to transport.
They were introduced right as World War Two was ending, but they were briefly used as multipurpose airplanes in the Korean War. However, with the introduction of helicopters, the L-13s were soon cycled out of the military.
L-13s were redesignated as Centaurs and used as bush aircraft by civilians. Some are still flying today.
