The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was the only purpose-built liaison aircraft which the US Military used during WWII. Other liaison types, like the L-4, were actually modified versions of “off-the-shelf” civilian aircraft. The L-5 earned the nickname “Flying Jeep” because of the numerous variety of tasks it could perform, the nickname referencing the ubiquitous nature of the ground-bound GPW “Jeep” utility vehicle.
One of 3,590 examples manufactured between December 1942 and September 1945, the Museum’s L-5E features the redesigned rear fuselage which allowed for more complex air-ambulance and cargo transport operations. Featuring a wider and deeper profile, as well as a fold-down fuselage door, the aircraft could accommodate a litter patient or up to 250 lbs of cargo.
Did You know?
During the Battle of Okinawa, L-5s operated from an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) using the Brodie landing system which allowed a light aircraft to take off and land without a flat surface. The aircraft, with a specially designed hook mounted atop its wing, could ‘land’ aboard the ship by snagging a wire hung between two booms on the vessel.
Specifications
- Number Built: 3,896 total Sentinels (750 of the E variant)
- Year Produced: 1944
- Serial Number: 44-17588
- Crew: (2) Pilot, Passenger or patient on a litter
- Current Pilots:
Dimensions
- Length: 24 ft. 1 in.
- Wingspan: 34 ft.
- Empty Weight: 1,500 lbs.
- Loaded Weight: 2,050 lbs.
- Engine: 1x Lycoming O-435-1 six-cylinder, air-cooled horizontally opposed piston engine
- Engine Power: 185 hp
Performance
- Cruising Speed: 105 mph
- Max Speed: 130 mph
- Range: 375 miles
- Ceiling: 15,800 ft.
- Rate of Climb: 900 ft./min. initial
Armament
- N/A – unarmed
Gallery & Media
