![Stinson L-13 Grasshopper](https://jp.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/640x425-L-13-Grasshopper-01.jpg)
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