The Stinson XL-13 AAF liaison plane had a 240 hp Franklin engine.

 

Stinson XL-13

The Stinson L-13 (sometimes known as the Grasshopper) was a conventional high-wing tailwheel monoplane used for observation, liaison, and air ambulance duties first flown in 1945.

 

L-13A

 

Developed when Stinson was a subsidiary of Consolidated Vultee, rights to it were not included in the 1948 sale of Stinson to Piper. Mass production was therefore undertaken by Convair, which built 302 of them.

 

Convair L-13A

 

A 2-3 seat liaison and ambulance aircraft built for the USAF, power was a 245 h.p. Franklin O-425-9 engine. The L-13 has folding wings, interchangeable wheel, float or ski undercarriage, and can be towed as a glider. Two stretchers can be carried, as well as the pilot and medical attendant.

 

The United States Army received 43 ex-Air Force L-13As following the outbreak of the Korean War, serving in the Continental United States to free up aircraft for active service overseas. Some were still operated in 1955.

 

Following their military service, some were converted for civil bush flying use, fitting a radial engine by Acme Aircraft Company as the Centaur, while others underwent similar conversions by Caribbean Traders Inc, as the Husky.

 

L-13A converted to Caribbean Traders Husky III standard with a 450 h.p. Wright R-975 engine

 

L-13A

 

TheAcme Aircraft Centaur 101 and 102 circa 1953 were six-place conversions of surplus Stinson/Convair L-13A for bush flying, based on a prototype by Longren Aircraft Co, Torrance CA (N4901V). The Centaur 101 had a 300hp Lycoming R-680-E3, and Centaur 102 with 300hp Jacobs R-755-A2. Reportedly only a few were converted.

Acme Aircraft Centaur 101

 

Acme Aircraft Centaur 1 April 1975 at Watsonville Airport – courtesy Thomas John Crowhurst

 

 

 

L-13A

Production aircraft, 300 built.

Engine: 1 × Franklin O-425-9, 250 hp (187 kW)

Wingspan: 40 ft 5½ in (12.33 m)

Wing area: 270 sq ft (25.1 m²)

Length: 31 ft 9 in (9.68 m)

Height: 8 ft 5 in (2.57 m)

Empty weight: 2,070 lb (941 kg)

Loaded weight: 3,185lb (1,448 kg)

Maximum speed: 115 mph (100 knots, 185 km/h)

Cruise speed: 92 mph (80 knots, 148 km/h)

Range: 368 miles (320 nmi, 592 km)

Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,570 m)

Rate of climb: 830 ft/min (4.2 m/s)

Crew: one

Capacity: two passengers

 

L-13B

Conversion of L-13A for cold weather operation, capable of operating from wheels, skis or floats. 28 converted.

 

Acme Centaur 101

Conversion of L-13 as six-seat bush aircraft. Powered by 300 hp (224 kW) Lycoming R-680-E3.

 

Acme Centaur 102

Similar to Acme Centaur 101, with Jacobs R-755-A2 radial.

 

Caribbean Traders Husky I

Civil conversion of L-13A. Retained O-425 engine.

 

Caribbean Traders Husky II

Civil conversion of L-13A. Powered by 300 hp R-680-13 engine on modified engine mount capable of swinging out for easy maintenance.

 

Caribbean Traders Husky III

Similar to Husky II, but powered by 450 hp (338 kW) Wright R-975-7 radial engine.

 

Servicair Loadmaster

Engine: P&W R-985, 450hp

Wingspan: 40'6"

Length: 31'7"

Useful load: 2160 lb

Cruise speed: 115 mph

Stall: 50 mph