Stinson L-5 Sentinel
Stinson · United States · first flew 1941 · light aircraft
The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was the principal liaison and observation aircraft of the US Army during World War II, a high-wing monoplane derived from the civil Stinson 105 Voyager that combined excellent visibility with short-field performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.34 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWII US Army liaison and observation high-wing monoplane
- Large glazed greenhouse canopy for all-round visibility
- STOL performance from slotted flaps and low stall speed
A high-wing monoplane with a very large Plexiglas greenhouse canopy providing outstanding visibility for the pilot and observer. The Lycoming O-435 flat-six engine is installed in a neat close-fitting cowling, and the fixed undercarriage is light and simple.
Specifications
- The Stinson L-5 Sentinel has a length of 7.34 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.36 m (34 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 209 km/h (130 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Adopted in 1941 and produced through 1945 with over 3,500 built, the L-5 served in every theatre of the war. It was used for artillery spotting, medical evacuation, courier duties, and clandestine agent insertion in Burma and the Pacific.
Variants
The L-5A introduced a litter hatch for casualty evacuation; the L-5B had an improved radio fit; the L-5C and later marks incorporated further refinements. A total of six variants were produced.
Where you'll see it
The L-5 served with the US Army Air Forces and US Marine Corps worldwide, and was supplied to Allied air forces under Lend-Lease. Some examples continued in USAF service through the Korean War era.
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