The Aeronca C-3 evolved into the Aeronca K Scout (ATC 634) in 1937, designed by Roger Schlemmer, the prototype being NX17440. A total of 344 were built, priced at $1,480, and $1,745 in 1938.
The 1937 KC Scout (ATC 655) sold for $1,590, and $1,295 in 1939. Thirty-four were built, and the float version was the two-door KC Sea Scout.
The 1938 KCA Chief (ATC 675) was priced at $1,695, and with65hp, $1,795. Sixty-two were built, the KCA evolving into the wide-cabin 50C Chief.
The model 50C Chief was the first lightplane to fly non-stop from Los Angeles to New York City, on 19-39 November 1938, covering 2,785 miles in 30h 47m, avg: 90mph (registration NX21300 and piloted by Johnnie Jones).
The 1941 L-3 and O-58 Grasshopper was the military version of 65 with a greenhouse cabin and 65hp Continental YO/O-170-3. There were fifty-four; 42-456 to 42-459, and 43-2809 to 42-2858. These were followed by twenty L-3A (O-58A), 42-7793 to 42-7812, and 875 L-3B (O-58B), 42-14713 to 4214797, 42-36075 to 42-36324, 42-38458 to 42-38497, and 43-26754 to 43-27253.
The L-3C had no radio and weight reduction. 490 were built, three to the US Navy as XLNR-1; 36422 to 36424.
Others were;
L-3D = Impressed 65TF with Franklin AC-167. POP: 11.
L-3E = Impressed 65TC with Continental A-65-8. POP: 12.
L-3F = Impressed Super Chief with A-65-8. POP: 19 including 42-78044
L-3G = Impressed Super Chief with Lycoming O-145-B1. POP: 4.
L-3H = Impressed 65TL with O-145-B1. POP: 1.
L-3J = Impressed 65TC with A-65-7. POP: 1.
The original model, the YO-58, was a conversion of the civil 65TAC Defender. Production models were the O-58, O-58A and O-59B, later designated L-3, L-3A and L-3B in 1942. L-3D to -3J were impressed by USAAF.
The O-58B differs primarily in having a more extensively glazed cabin.
Performance and specifications were similar to the civil models.
The difference between the 1938 L and LA Chief models (ATC 702) was that the 50L Lycoming O-145 had exposed cylinders, while the 50LA had a closed cowling. Priced at $1,695, there were 65 50L and 20 50LA models built, some for the USAAF as the L-3.
The 50C Chief of 1938 (ATC 675) was an improved KCA with a wider cabin. Priced at $1,795; $1,695 in 1939, 248 were sold. A 50C was the first lightplane to fly non-stop Los Angeles-New York City, on 29-30 November 1938, covered 2,785 miles in 30h:47m, avg: 90mph. NX21300 piloted by Johnnie Jones had a fuel cost-per-mile of about one cent was most impressive, even in 1938 dollars.
Forty of the 1938 50F Chief (ATC 688) were built, powered by a 50hp Franklin 4AC engine.
The 1938 KF Chief (ATC 688) was powered by a 50hp Franklin 4AC engine. Selling for $1,595, five were built, including; NC21067, NC21063, and NC21092. The KF Chief evolved into 50F Chief.
The 1938 KM Chief (ATC 676) was powered by a 50hp Menasco M-50 engine. Priced at $1,590, nine were built. The KM Chief evolved into the one 50M Chief built, NC21070.
The 1937 KS Sea Scout (ATC 634) was a floatplane version of the model K; thirteen were built.
The 50TC and 50TL Tandem (T-series) of 1939 were the first tandem Aeronca as competition for the Piper Cub. A total of 16 were built.
In turn, the K evolved into the SOC Chief in 1938.
The 1940 60TF Tandem (ATC 728) was the same as 50TC, with 60hp Franklin and slightly increased performance. 60TL with 60hp Lycoming. Priced at $1,695, 118 were built, going to USAAF as O-58B with 65hp Continental A-65.
In 1939, the 65-series appeared and featured the 65 hp Continental option. The 65TC Defender (112 built), a tandem two-seat trainer, was widely used throughout the war, particularly in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. The CPTP and CAP versions were the 65TAC of which 154 were built. The Model L-3, the military version of the same airplane, featured a wider fuselage and larger window area to facilitate its role as an observation plane. Although provided with dual controls, the L-3 was designed to be flown from the front seat. The observer’s seat might face forward or aft. Many of the planes reached civilian hands after World War II.
The 1938 65C Chief and 65CA Super Chief (ATC 675) differed by the 65CA having an optional 8-USG auxiliary fuel tank and other deluxe appointments. The 65C price was US$1,795, and the 65CA US$1,895. Of the 279 model 65C built, many were impressed by USAAF as the O-58/L-3 in 1942. A total of 655 65CA models were built.
87 of the 1939 65LA Chief and 199 of the 65LB Super Chief (ATC 702) model were built. The 65LB with 65hp Lycoming O-145 in 1940.
One 50M Chief was built, 1938 (ATC 676), NC21070, priced at $1,695.
65TAF (ATC 728) was CPTP and CAP versions of the 65TF with 59 of the 65TF built, and 115 of the 65TAF during 1940.
The 65TF Tandem and 65TAF Defender of 1940 were powered by 65hp Franklin 4AC engines. Fifty-nine 65TF were built and 115 of the 65TAF CPTP and CAP versions.
299 of the 1940 65TL Tandem and 65TAL Defender (ATC 728) were built plus military versions: 4 YO-58, 20 O-58, 701 L-3B, and 499 L-3C, plus 253 TG-5 gliders to AAF. The 65TAL was CPTP and CAP version with 100 built.
Aeronca L-3 Raggedy Ann 1983 Article
The 1939 models 50TC and 50TL Tandem (ATC 728) designed by James Weagle were the first tandem Aeronca, as competition for the Piper Cub. Sixteen 50TC (50hp Continental) were built, and 33 TL with the 50hp Lycoming engine.
K
1937
Engine: Aeronca E-113C, 36 hp
Gross weight: 1040lb
Empty weight: 590lb
Fuel capacity: 10 USG
Top speed: 80 mph
Cruise speed: 70 mph
Stall speed: 35 mph
Initial climb rate: 400 fpm
Service ceiling: 12,500 ft
Range: 175 nm
Seats: 2
Engine: Aeronca E-113C, 42hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Payload: 450 lb
Max speed: 93 mph
Cruise speed: 85
Stall speed: 38 mph
Range: 255 nm
Price 1937: US$1,480
Price 1938: US$1,745
Seats: 2
Number built: 344
KC Scout
1937
Engine: Continental A-40, 40hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Payload: 452 lb
Max speed: 93 mph
Cruise speed: 85
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 225 nm
Price 1937: US$1,590
Price 1939: US$1,295
Number built: 34
Float version was the two-door KC Sea Scout
KCA Chief
1938
Engine: Continental A-50, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 1 in
Payload: 450 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 250 nm
Price std: US$1,695
Price, 65hp: US$1,795
Number built: 62
Seats: 2
Evolved into the wide-cabin 50C Chief
KF Chief
1938
Engine: Franklin 4AC, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Payload: 452 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 225 nm
Price: US$1,595
Number built: 5
Seats: 2
Evolved into 50F Chief
KM Chief
1938
Engine: Menasco M-50, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Payload: 452 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 250 nm
Seats: 2
Price: US$1,590
Number built: 9
Evolved into 50M Chief
KS Sea Scout
1937
Engine: Continental A-40, 40hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Seats: 2
Number built: 13
A float version of the KC model
50C Chief
1938 (ATC 675)
Engine: Continental A-50, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 1 in
Payload: 460 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90 mph
Stall speed: 36 mph
Range: 270 nm
Seats: 2
Number built: 248
Price 1938: US$1,795
Price 1939: US$1,695
Improved KCA with a wider cabin.
50F Chief
1938 (ATC 688)
Engine: Franklin 4AC, 50hp.
Number built: 40
50L, 50LA Chief / L-3
1938 (ATC 702)
Engine: Lycoming O-145, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 1 in
Payload: 460 lb
Max speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 88 mph
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 275 nm
Price: US$1,695
50M Chief
1938 (ATC 676)
Engine: Menasco M-50, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 0 in
Payload: 460 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90 mph
Stall speed: 36 mph
Range: 250 nm
Price: US$1,695
50TC Tandem
1939 (ATC 728)
Engine: Continental, 50hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
50TL Tandem
1939 (ATC 728)
Engine: Lycoming, 50hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
60TF, 60TL Tandem, O-58B
1940 (ATC 728)
Gross weight: 1260 lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 87 mph
Landing speed: 42 mph
Range: 25 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
Number built: 118
60TF Tandem
Engine: Franklin, 60hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
Gross weight: 1260 lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 87 mph
Landing speed: 42 mph
Range: 25 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
60TL Tandem
Engine: Lycoming, 60hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
Gross weight: 1260 lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 87 mph
Landing speed: 42 mph
Range: 25 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
O-58B
Engine: Continental A-65, 65 hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
Gross weight: 1260 lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 87 mph
Landing speed: 42 mph
Range: 25 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
65TC / 65TAC Defender
1940 (ATC 728)
Engine: Continental A-65, 65 hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Gross weight: 1260lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Payload: 423 lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 94 mph
Cruise speed: 80 mph
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 225 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
Seats: 2
Price: US$1,695
L-3J
Engine: Continental A-65-7, 65 hp
One impressed 65TC
L-3E
Engine: Continental A-65-8, 65
Twelve impressed 65TC
65C Chief, 65CA Super Chief
1938 (ATC 675)
Engine: Continental A-65, 65hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 0 in
Payload: 480 lb
Max speed: 105 mph
Cruise speed: 95 mph
Stall speed: 37 mph
Range: 260 nm
Seats: 2 side-by-side
L-3F
Engine: Continental A-65-8, 65 hp
Ninteen impressed Super Chief
65LA Chief
1939 (ATC 702)
Engine: Lycoming, 65hp
65LB Super Chief
1940 (ATC 702)
Engine: Lycoming O-145, 65hp
L-3G
Engine: Lycoming O-145-B1, 65 hp
Four impressed Super Chief
65TF Tandem, 65TAF Defender
1940 (ATC 728)
Engine: Franklin 4AC, 65hp
L-3D
Engine: Franklin AC-167, 65 hp
Eleven impressed 65TF
65TL Tandem / 65TAL Defender / O-58 / L-3C
1940 (ATC 728)
Engine: Lycoming O-145-B1, 65hp
L-3H
Engine: Lycoming O-145-B1, 65hp
One impressed 65TL
L-3C
No radio, weight reduction. 490 built; additionally 253 built as TG-5 gliders
TG-5 / XLNR-1
65TL Tandem / 65TAL Defender Army Air Force glider version.
Number built: 253
3 transferred to USN as XLNR-1 (36422/36424).
L-3 (O/YO-58)
Engine: Continental O-170-3, 65 hp
Length: 20.997 ft / 6.4 m
Height: 7.677 ft / 2.34 m
Wingspan: 35.07 ft / 10.67 m
Wing area: 158.016 sq.ft / 14.680 sq.m
MTOW: 1301.0 lb / 590.0 kg
Weight empty: 835.7 lb / 379.0 kg
Max speed: 76 kts / 140 km/h
Cruising speed: 40 kts / 74 km/h
Service ceiling: 10007 ft / 3050 m
Wing load: 8.2 lb/sq.ft / 40.0 kg/sq.m
Range: 174 nm / 322 km
Number built: 54 (42-456/459, 43-2809/2858).
L-3A (O-58A)
Number built: 20 (42-7793/7812)
L-3B (O-58B)
Engine: Continental O-170-3, 65 hp
Wing span: 35 ft
Length: 21 ft 10 in
Empty weight: 835 lb
Loaded weight: 1260 lb
Max speed: 87 mph
Cruise: 79 mph
Range: 218 mph
Number built: 875 (42-14713/14797, -36075/36324, -38458/38497, 43-26754/27253 )
All Aero 