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Stinson L-13 Grasshopper
Stinson L-13 Grasshopper

Stinson L-13 Grasshopper

Snapshot
Nickname:
Grasshopper
Number Built:
1945
Make:
Stinson Aircraft
Mission:
Liaison Aircraft
Location:
The Raytheon Pavilion & Outdoor Exhibits
Background

Conceived in the waning days of World War II, the L-13 is a high-wing, tail-wheel monoplane created for liaison, observation, search-and-rescue, and air-ambulance duties. The L-13’s design is typical of the transitional period between World War II and the Korean War; its notable features include folding wings and tail for shipment, swing-out engine mounts for easy maintenance, and a rounded, cone-shaped rear fuselage for enhanced strength. The Grasshopper is an unglamorous worker bee that helped save lives in remote areas.

Only 302 were built, so it’s a reasonably rare aircraft. First built for the U.S. Air Force, the L-13 also was used by the Army during the Korean War. Originally designed with an inline Franklin engine, many Grasshoppers (including ours) were modified to house radial Lycoming R-680-13 engines. In civilian use, this was called the Husky II, as it was primarily used by bush pilots.

This L-13 was donated to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum by Hawaii pilot and aviation educator Rob Moore, whose gift to the Museum includes additional L-13 wings, a fuselage and a Franklin O-425-6 engine. Unlike most aircraft received by the Museum, this one is in near-operating condition.

Specs
Contractor
Stinson Aircraft
Deployment Date
1947
Span
40 feet, 5½ inches
Length
31 feet, 9 inches
Height
8 feet, 5 inches
Weight
3,185 lbs
Max. Speed
115 MPH
Service Ceiling
15,000 feet
Range
368 miles
Crew
1 pilot and 3 passengers