Stinson L-1 Vigilant
Stinson · United States · first flew 1940 · transport aircraft
The Stinson L-1 Vigilant was a US Army Air Corps high-wing liaison and observation aircraft of 1940, notable for its exceptional short take-off and landing (STOL) capability achieved through automatic leading-edge slats and large trailing-edge flaps. It could operate from very short rough strips close to the front line.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.44 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US Army STOL liaison aircraft with large slotted wing and full-span slats
- High-wing monoplane with radial engine and fixed wide-track undercarriage
- Glazed greenhouse cabin giving excellent all-round visibility for observation
The very large wing with prominent leading-edge slats and full-span flaps, broad greenhouse cabin, and fixed wide-track undercarriage are characteristic. Larger and more purposeful-looking than the Piper Cub-class aircraft that eventually replaced it.
Specifications
- The Stinson L-1 Vigilant has a length of 10.44 m (34 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.52 m (51 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 196 km/h (122 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Selected by the US Army in 1940 following a competition, the L-1 (originally designated O-49) served in the liaison and artillery observation role in the early years of the war. It was used in the Philippines, Burma, and other theatres before being largely replaced by lighter and simpler types such as the Piper L-4.
Variants
The L-1A had minor equipment changes; the L-1B was a dual-control trainer variant; total production was 324 aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Served with the US Army Air Forces from 1941 to the mid-war period; small numbers operated by the British RAF as the Vigilant Mk I in the liaison role.
Related aircraft
- Stinson L-5 Sentinel
- Stinson L-13
- Stinson Reliant
- Stinson Detroiter
- Aichi H9A
- Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle
- Curtiss C-46 Commando
- DFS 331
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.