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Taylorcraft L-2

May 03, 2024

The Taylorcraft L-2 Grasshopper is an American observation and liaison aircraft built by Taylorcraft for the United States Army Air Forces in World War II.

L-2 Grasshopper
Taylorcraft L-2M of the Commemorative Air Force
Role Observation and liaison
National origin United States
Manufacturer Taylorcraft
Introduction 1941
Primary user United States Army Air Forces
Number built 1,984
Developed from Taylorcraft D
Taylorcraft L-2M at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Interior of Taylorcraft L-2M N52347
Taylorcraft DCO-65

Design and development edit

In 1941 the United States Army Air Forces ordered four Taylorcraft Ds with the designation YO-57. They were evaluated in the summer of 1941 during maneuvers in Louisiana and Texas where they were used for support purposes such as light transport and courier. General Innis P. Swift, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, coined the 'grasshopper' name after witnessing a bumpy landing.[1] This led to a production order under the designation O-57 Grasshopper. In March 1942, the designation was changed to L-2 Grasshopper.

In World War II, the Army Ground Forces began using the L-2 and other liaison aircraft in much the same manner as the observation balloon was used in France during World War I—spotting enemy troop and supply concentrations and directing artillery fire on them. It was also used for liaison (communication) and transport duties and short-range reconnaissance that required airplanes able to land and take off from roads, open fields, and hastily prepared landing strips. The L-2 was primarily used in a training role within the United States and few saw overseas deployment.[2]

Postwar, several L-2s were converted for civilian use and are operated by private pilot owners in the United States as the Model DCO-65. Several are still airworthy in 2021.

The L-2 series meet the standards for light-sport aircraft (other than the L-2M, which has a gross weight rating five pounds over the 1,320-lb limit), thus can be flown by pilots holding the Sport Pilot Certificate.

Variants edit

YO-57
Military version of the Taylorcraft Model D, four for evaluation with a 65hp YO-170-3 and tandem seating, later became O-57 then L-2.
O-57
Production version with minor changes and a 65hp O-170-3 engine and tandem seating, 20 built, re-designated L-2 in 1942.
O-57A
O-57 with modified cabin and military radios and an observers seat that could face backwards, 336 built, re-designated L-2A
L-2
O-57 re-designated in 1942, a further 50 built.
L-2A
O-57A re-designated in 1942, a further 140 built.
L-2B
L-2A with modifications for artillery spotting with a 65hp Continental A65-8 engine and tandem seating, 490 built.
L-2C
13 Taylorcraft Model DC65 with tandem seating, impressed into Army service.
L-2D
One Taylorcraft Model DL65 with tandem seating, impressed into Army service.
L-2E
Two impressed Taylorcaft Model DF65s with a 65hp Franklin 4AC-176-B2 and tandem seating into Army service.
L-2F
Seven impressed Taylorcraft Model BL65s with side-by-side seating and a 65hp O-145-B1 engine, one originally designated UC-95.
L-2G
Two impressed Taylorcraft Model BFs with side-by-side seating and a 50hp Franklin 4AC-150-50 engine.
L-2H
Nine impressed Taylorcraft Model BC12-65s with side-by-side seating and a 65hp Continental A65-7 engine.
L-2J
Five impressed Taylorcraft Model BL12-65s with side-by-side seating and a 65hp O-145-B1 engine.
L-2K
Four impressed Taylorcraft Model BF12-65s with side-by-side seating and a 65hp Franklin 4AC-176-B2 engine.
L-2L
Single impressed Taylorcraft Model BF60 with side-by-side seating and a 60hp Franklin 4AC-171 engine.
L-2M
L-2A with close-fitting engine cowls and wing spoilers and tandem seating, 900 built.
TG-6
Model ST.100 three-seat training glider variant with enlarged fin area, wing spoilers and a simpler landing gear, 250 built.
LNT-1
U.S. Navy version of TG-6
XLNT-2
Modified LNT-1 for Glomb trials.[3]
UC-95
One impressed Taylorcraft Model BL65s with side-by-side seating and a 65hp O-145-B1 engine, re-designated L-2F.

Operators edit

  France
  Haiti
  Netherlands
  United States

Airworthy Aircraft edit

Aircraft on display edit

L-2 on display at the Fargo Air Museum, in Fargo, North Dakota.

Specifications (Taylorcraft L-2A) edit

 
3-view line drawing of the Taylorcraft L-2 Grasshopper

Data from Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, Army Model L-2, L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M Airplanes, T.O. No. 01-135DA-1, 1944 & The Taylorcraft Story, 1992

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two, pilot and observer
  • Capacity: 425 lb (193 kg)
  • Length: 22 ft 9 in (6.9 m) [8]
  • Wingspan: 35 ft 5 in (10.8 m) [8]
  • Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.0 m) [8]
  • Wing area: 181 sq ft (16.8 m2) [8]
  • Airfoil: NACA 23012[9]
  • Empty weight: 875 lb (397 kg) [8]
  • Gross weight: 1,300 lb (590 kg) [10]
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,300 lb (590 kg) [10]
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental O-170-3 4-cylinder air-cooled engine, 65 hp (48 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 92 mph (148 km/h, 80 kn) [11]
  • Cruise speed: 83 mph (134 km/h, 72 kn) at 2,150 rpm[11]
  • Stall speed: 43 mph (69 km/h, 37 kn) power on[12]
  • Never exceed speed: 140 mph (225 km/h, 120 kn) [13]
  • Range: 303 mi (488 km, 263 nmi) at 2,000 rpm
  • Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,658 m) [14]
  • Rate of climb: 395 ft/min (2.01 m/s) L-2A[15]
  • Wing loading: 7.18 lb/sq ft (35.1 kg/m2)

Avionics

  • RCA AVR-20A radio[16]

See also edit

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References edit

Citations edit

  1. ^ *Graff, Cory (2003). Shot to Hell: The Stories and Photos of Ravaged WWII Warbirds. St. Paul, MN: MBI Publishing Co. ISBN 0-7603-1609-0.
  2. ^ Raines, Edgar F. (2000) Eyes of Artillery:The Origins of Modern U.S. Army Aviation in World War II; Government Printing Office; ISBN 9780160503436
  3. ^ Ordway and Wakeford 1960, p. 180.
  4. ^ Moulin, Jacques. "Les Taylorcraft L- 2 de la Marine française". Les avions de la guerre d'Algérie. 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  5. ^ "Taylorcraft L-2M Grasshopper". Pima Air & Space Museum. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  6. ^ . Aerospace Museum of California. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  7. ^ "Taylorcraft L-2M Grasshopper". National Museum of the United States Air Force. 17 April 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  8. ^ a b c d e Love 2001, p. 20.
  9. ^ The Taylorcraft Story 1992, p. 20.
  10. ^ a b Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, Army Model L-2, L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M Airplanes, T.O. No. 01-135DA-1 1944, p. 5.
  11. ^ a b Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, Army Model L-2, L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M Airplanes, T.O. No. 01-135DA-1 1944, p. 29.
  12. ^ Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, Army Model L-2, L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M Airplanes, T.O. No. 01-135DA-1 1944, p. 11.
  13. ^ Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, Army Model L-2, L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M Airplanes, T.O. No. 01-135DA-1 1944, p. 12.
  14. ^ The Taylorcraft Story 1992, p. 151.
  15. ^ Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, Army Model L-2, L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M Airplanes, T.O. No. 01-135DA-1 1944, pp. 26-28.
  16. ^ Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, Army Model L-2, L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M Airplanes, T.O. No. 01-135DA-1 1944, pp. 18-20.

Bibliography edit

  • Pilots Flight Operating Instructions, Army Model L-2, L-2A, L-2B, and L-2M Airplanes, T.O. No. 01-135DA-1. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: US Army Air Forces. 1944.
  • Peek, Chet (1992). The Taylorcraft Story. Norman, OK: Three Peaks Publishing.
  • Ordway, Frederick Ira; Ronald C. Wakeford (1960). International Missile and Spacecraft Guide. New York: McGraw-Hill. ASIN B000MAEGVC.
  • Love, Terry M. (2001). L-Birds: American Combat Liaison Aircraft of World War II. New Brighton, MN: Flying Books International.

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Taylorcraft L-2 Grasshopper.
  • L-2 page at Warbird Alley
  • www.als-cannonfield.com - operates restored L-2s

May 03, 2024
taylorcraft, grasshopper, american, observation, liaison, aircraft, built, taylorcraft, united, states, army, forces, world, grasshopper, commemorative, force, role, observation, liaison, national, origin, united, states, manufacturer, taylorcraft, introductio. The Taylorcraft L 2 Grasshopper is an American observation and liaison aircraft built by Taylorcraft for the United States Army Air Forces in World War II L 2 Grasshopper Taylorcraft L 2M of the Commemorative Air Force Role Observation and liaison National origin United States Manufacturer Taylorcraft Introduction 1941 Primary user United States Army Air Forces Number built 1 984 Developed from Taylorcraft D Taylorcraft L 2M at the National Museum of the United States Air Force Interior of Taylorcraft L 2M N52347 Taylorcraft DCO 65 Contents 1 Design and development 2 Variants 3 Operators 4 Airworthy Aircraft 5 Aircraft on display 6 Specifications Taylorcraft L 2A 7 See also 8 References 8 1 Citations 8 2 Bibliography 9 External linksDesign and development editIn 1941 the United States Army Air Forces ordered four Taylorcraft Ds with the designation YO 57 They were evaluated in the summer of 1941 during maneuvers in Louisiana and Texas where they were used for support purposes such as light transport and courier General Innis P Swift commander of the 1st Cavalry Division coined the grasshopper name after witnessing a bumpy landing 1 This led to a production order under the designation O 57 Grasshopper In March 1942 the designation was changed to L 2 Grasshopper In World War II the Army Ground Forces began using the L 2 and other liaison aircraft in much the same manner as the observation balloon was used in France during World War I spotting enemy troop and supply concentrations and directing artillery fire on them It was also used for liaison communication and transport duties and short range reconnaissance that required airplanes able to land and take off from roads open fields and hastily prepared landing strips The L 2 was primarily used in a training role within the United States and few saw overseas deployment 2 Postwar several L 2s were converted for civilian use and are operated by private pilot owners in the United States as the Model DCO 65 Several are still airworthy in 2021 The L 2 series meet the standards for light sport aircraft other than the L 2M which has a gross weight rating five pounds over the 1 320 lb limit thus can be flown by pilots holding the Sport Pilot Certificate Variants editYO 57 Military version of the Taylorcraft Model D four for evaluation with a 65hp YO 170 3 and tandem seating later became O 57 then L 2 O 57 Production version with minor changes and a 65hp O 170 3 engine and tandem seating 20 built re designated L 2 in 1942 O 57A O 57 with modified cabin and military radios and an observers seat that could face backwards 336 built re designated L 2A L 2 O 57 re designated in 1942 a further 50 built L 2A O 57A re designated in 1942 a further 140 built L 2B L 2A with modifications for artillery spotting with a 65hp Continental A65 8 engine and tandem seating 490 built L 2C 13 Taylorcraft Model DC65 with tandem seating impressed into Army service L 2D One Taylorcraft Model DL65 with tandem seating impressed into Army service L 2E Two impressed Taylorcaft Model DF65s with a 65hp Franklin 4AC 176 B2 and tandem seating into Army service L 2F Seven impressed Taylorcraft Model BL65s with side by side seating and a 65hp O 145 B1 engine one originally designated UC 95 L 2G Two impressed Taylorcraft Model BFs with side by side seating and a 50hp Franklin 4AC 150 50 engine L 2H Nine impressed Taylorcraft Model BC12 65s with side by side seating and a 65hp Continental A65 7 engine L 2J Five impressed Taylorcraft Model BL12 65s with side by side seating and a 65hp O 145 B1 engine L 2K Four impressed Taylorcraft Model BF12 65s with side by side seating and a 65hp Franklin 4AC 176 B2 engine L 2L Single impressed Taylorcraft Model BF60 with side by side seating and a 60hp Franklin 4AC 171 engine L 2M L 2A with close fitting engine cowls and wing spoilers and tandem seating 900 built TG 6 Model ST 100 three seat training glider variant with enlarged fin area wing spoilers and a simpler landing gear 250 built LNT 1 U S Navy version of TG 6 XLNT 2 Modified LNT 1 for Glomb trials 3 UC 95 One impressed Taylorcraft Model BL65s with side by side seating and a 65hp O 145 B1 engine re designated L 2F Operators edit nbsp France French Navy 4 unreliable source nbsp Haiti Haiti Air Corps nbsp Netherlands Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force Postwar nbsp United States United States Army Air ForcesAirworthy Aircraft edit43 25823 L2M operated by the Commemorative Air Force 43 26050 L 2M operated by the Texas Air Museum in Slaton Texas nbsp L 2M flying with the Texas Air Museum in Slaton Texas Aircraft on display edit42 35872 L 2A on static display at the US Army Aviation Museum in Fort Novosel Alabama 43 26110 L 2M on static display at the Pima Air amp Space Museum in Tucson Arizona 5 43 26433 L 2M on static display at the Aerospace Museum of California in McClellan California 6 43 26592 L 2M on static display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton Ohio 7 43 26104 L 2M on static display at the Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage Alaska L 2 on display at the Fargo Air Museum in Fargo North Dakota Specifications Taylorcraft L 2A edit nbsp 3 view line drawing of the Taylorcraft L 2 Grasshopper Data from Pilots Flight Operating Instructions Army Model L 2 L 2A L 2B and L 2M Airplanes T O No 01 135DA 1 1944 amp The Taylorcraft Story 1992General characteristicsCrew Two pilot and observer Capacity 425 lb 193 kg Length 22 ft 9 in 6 9 m 8 Wingspan 35 ft 5 in 10 8 m 8 Height 6 ft 8 in 2 0 m 8 Wing area 181 sq ft 16 8 m2 8 Airfoil NACA 23012 9 Empty weight 875 lb 397 kg 8 Gross weight 1 300 lb 590 kg 10 Max takeoff weight 1 300 lb 590 kg 10 Powerplant 1 Continental O 170 3 4 cylinder air cooled engine 65 hp 48 kW Performance Maximum speed 92 mph 148 km h 80 kn 11 Cruise speed 83 mph 134 km h 72 kn at 2 150 rpm 11 Stall speed 43 mph 69 km h 37 kn power on 12 Never exceed speed 140 mph 225 km h 120 kn 13 Range 303 mi 488 km 263 nmi at 2 000 rpm Service ceiling 12 000 ft 3 658 m 14 Rate of climb 395 ft min 2 01 m s L 2A 15 Wing loading 7 18 lb sq ft 35 1 kg m2 Avionics RCA AVR 20A radio 16 See also edit nbsp Aviation portal Aircraft of comparable role configuration and era Taylorcraft Auster Piper J 3 Cub and its L 4 military version Related lists List of aircraft of World War II List of military aircraft of the United StatesReferences editCitations edit Graff Cory 2003 Shot to Hell The Stories and Photos of Ravaged WWII Warbirds St Paul MN MBI Publishing Co ISBN 0 7603 1609 0 Raines Edgar F 2000 Eyes of Artillery The Origins of Modern U S Army Aviation in World War II Government Printing Office ISBN 9780160503436 Ordway and Wakeford 1960 p 180 Moulin Jacques Les Taylorcraft L 2 de la Marine francaise Les avions de la guerre d Algerie 2013 Retrieved 31 October 2020 Taylorcraft L 2M Grasshopper Pima Air amp Space Museum Retrieved 3 November 2020 Taylorcraft L 2M Grasshopper Aerospace Museum of California Archived from the original on 17 April 2016 Retrieved 3 November 2020 Taylorcraft L 2M Grasshopper National Museum of the United States Air Force 17 April 2015 Retrieved 3 November 2020 a b c d e Love 2001 p 20 The Taylorcraft Story 1992 p 20 a b Pilots Flight Operating Instructions Army Model L 2 L 2A L 2B and L 2M Airplanes T O No 01 135DA 1 1944 p 5 a b Pilots Flight Operating Instructions Army Model L 2 L 2A L 2B and L 2M Airplanes T O No 01 135DA 1 1944 p 29 Pilots Flight Operating Instructions Army Model L 2 L 2A L 2B and L 2M Airplanes T O No 01 135DA 1 1944 p 11 Pilots Flight Operating Instructions Army Model L 2 L 2A L 2B and L 2M Airplanes T O No 01 135DA 1 1944 p 12 The Taylorcraft Story 1992 p 151 Pilots Flight Operating Instructions Army Model L 2 L 2A L 2B and L 2M Airplanes T O No 01 135DA 1 1944 pp 26 28 Pilots Flight Operating Instructions Army Model L 2 L 2A L 2B and L 2M Airplanes T O No 01 135DA 1 1944 pp 18 20 Bibliography edit Pilots Flight Operating Instructions Army Model L 2 L 2A L 2B and L 2M Airplanes T O No 01 135DA 1 Wright Patterson AFB Ohio US Army Air Forces 1944 Peek Chet 1992 The Taylorcraft Story Norman OK Three Peaks Publishing Ordway Frederick Ira Ronald C Wakeford 1960 International Missile and Spacecraft Guide New York McGraw Hill ASIN B000MAEGVC Love Terry M 2001 L Birds American Combat Liaison Aircraft of World War II New Brighton MN Flying Books International External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Taylorcraft L 2 Grasshopper L 2 page at the National Museum of the United States Air Force L 2 page at Warbird Alley www als cannonfield com operates restored L 2s Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Taylorcraft L 2 amp oldid 1220753719, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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