|
The Grasshopper was derived from the lighter Aeronca 65c Super Chief of
1938. Built for the USAAF the Grasshoppers came in four basic versions;
L-3 ( 50 built), L-3A(20 built), L-3B(875 built) and the L-3C(490
built). All these models were used on liaison ,observation and training
duties and differed from each other mainly in the type of equipment
carried to fulfil different roles. The L-3D, L-3E, L-3F,L-3G,L-3H and
L-3J were designations for impressed Model 65’s. There is a profusion of
variants in this tandem two seat series of Aeroncas, all using the same
basic airframe with the same type certificate. The Aeronca 50-TC was
first flown in 1940 and is powered by a 50hp Continental A-50-7. The
Model 50-TL is powered by a 50hp Lycoming O-145-A1. The Model 60-TF is
powered by a 60hp Franklin 4AC-150A. The Model 65-TL is powered by a
65hp Lycoming O-145-B1. The Model 65-TF is powered by a 65hp Franklin
4AC-176-B2. The Model 65-TC (L-3J) is powered by a 65hp Continental
A-65-7. The YO-58 (L-3) is the same as the Model 65-TC except for a
modified control system. The Model 65-TAC (L-3E) is the same as
the Model 65-TC except for minor structural changes. The Model 65-TAC is
the same as the Model 65-TF except for minor structural differences. The
Model 65-TAL is the same as the Model 65-TL except for minor structural
differences. The maximum take-off weights of the various models varied
between 1150lb for the Model 50's and 1300lb for the later military L-3
models. A Model 60-TF is illustrated below.
NC27325
c/n 1318T USA
2 seat light aircraft first flown in 1940
Engine: 65hp(48kW) Continental A-65-8
Length: 21’0”(6.4m)
Height: 7’8”(2.34m)
Wingspan: 35’0”(10.67m)
No.built: 875
Range: 215miles(346km)
Cruising speed: 60mph(96kmh) Empty weight: 835lb(379kg)
Maximum take-off weight: 1300lb(590kg)
An Aeronca L-3B (O-58B)
is illustrated below.
N49114
c/n 10873
An Aeronca 65 Super
Chief is illustrated below.
NC34504
c/n L-14971
An Aeronca 65-TAC is
illustrated below.
N39565
c/n C5674TA |
AircraftWorldDirectory.com
