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The Aeronca L-3B is an example of the light planes used by the U.S. Army during World War II. Built by Stinson, Piper, Taylorcraft, and Aeronca, these little observation and liaison planes, collectively nicknamed “Grasshoppers,” were adapted from existing commercial airplane designs made before the war. Using established designs and proven airframes saved time and money and brought the Grasshoppers into service quickly. Aeronca's Model 65TC Tandem Trainer flew as the O-58, later changed to L-3 ("Liaison" rather than "Observation"). Aeronca's L-3B was modified with a wider fuselage, bigger windows, and additional military equipment and was outfitted with a Continental A65-8 65-horsepower engine. The L-3B was used as an observation plane, VIP transport, and artillery spotter and director. A total of 701 L-3B aircraft were produced, among thousands of this aircraft class built during the war.
The Army liaison-type airplane's famous name is said to have originated with U.S. Army Major General Innis P. Swift after observing a rough landing during maneuvers at Fort Bliss, Texas, in the summer of 1941. Soon, all of the Army's liaison aircraft were generically called "Grasshoppers."
The Museum’s L-3B was manufactured in 1943 and was privately owned by several individuals after 1954. From 1979 to 1980, the Aeronca was owned and restored by Henry Coleman and Larry Henderson of Dayton, Ohio. It was purchased by Aeronca, Inc. in 1985 and returned to its wartime colors for donation to The Museum of Flight.
The Aeronca L-3B is an example of the light planes used by the U.S. Army during World War II. Built by Stinson, Piper, Taylorcraft, and Aeronca, these little observation and liaison planes, collectively nicknamed “Grasshoppers,” were adapted from existing commercial airplane designs made before the war. Using established designs and proven airframes saved time and money and brought the Grasshoppers into service quickly. Aeronca's Model 65TC Tandem Trainer flew as the O-58, later changed to L-3 ("Liaison" rather than "Observation"). Aeronca's L-3B was modified with a wider fuselage, bigger windows, and additional military equipment and was outfitted with a Continental A65-8 65-horsepower engine. The L-3B was used as an observation plane, VIP transport, and artillery spotter and director. A total of 701 L-3B aircraft were produced, among thousands of this aircraft class built during the war.
The Army liaison-type airplane's famous name is said to have originated with U.S. Army Major General Innis P. Swift after observing a rough landing during maneuvers at Fort Bliss, Texas, in the summer of 1941. Soon, all of the Army's liaison aircraft were generically called "Grasshoppers."
The Museum’s L-3B was manufactured in 1943 and was privately owned by several individuals after 1954. From 1979 to 1980, the Aeronca was owned and restored by Henry Coleman and Larry Henderson of Dayton, Ohio. It was purchased by Aeronca, Inc. in 1985 and returned to its wartime colors for donation to The Museum of Flight.
