Stinson L-13

Stinson · United States · first flew 1945 · light aircraft

The Stinson L-13 was a high-wing liaison and observation aircraft developed for the US Army in the final year of World War II, featuring a fully glazed cabin for maximum visibility during artillery spotting and reconnaissance missions.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

High-wing Army liaison and observation monoplane
Extensively glazed greenhouse cabin
Fixed tricycle undercarriage, Franklin engine

Distinguished by its exceptionally large, heavily glazed 'greenhouse' cabin that extends well forward and sideways, a braced high wing, fixed tricycle undercarriage, and a prominent Franklin flat-six engine.

Specifications

The Stinson L-13 has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.04 m (40 ft).
Its maximum speed is 209 km/h (130 mph).
Typical crew: 1-4.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1945, the L-13 entered Army service too late for significant WWII use but served through the Korean War era in observation and liaison roles. Its extensively glazed cabin gave crews exceptional downward and lateral visibility, making it well suited to battlefield observation.

Variants

The L-13A was the main production variant; a small number of L-13Bs with upgraded engines were also built. The type also served briefly with some National Guard units.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the US Army in observation and liaison roles from 1945 through the early 1950s; some examples flew with foreign military customers and as civil aircraft.

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