Stinson Vigilant

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Vigilant

RAF Stinson Vigilant photographed at Air Fighting Development Unit, Duxford, UK, 1941-42
Type Light Observation
Manufacturer Stinson Aircraft Corporation
Primary users United States Army Air Corps
Royal Air Force
Number built 324

The Stinson Model 74 Vigilant was a 1940s American light observation aircraft built by the Stinson Aircraft Company at Wayne, Michigan (by November 1940 a division of Vultee Aircraft Corporation)[1]. The aircraft was operated by the United States Army Air Corps as the O-49 and after 1942 as the L-1.

Contents

[edit] Design and development

The Vigilant was designed in response to a United States Army Air Corps requirement for a two-seat light observation aircraft. The Stinson Model 74 was a single radial engined high-wing monoplane with trailing-edge high-lift devices for low speed and high lift performance. Three aircraft were built, with the military designation YO-49 for evaluation against the Bellanca YO-50 and the Ryan YO-51. Stinson was awarded the contract for 142 production aircraft with the designation O-49.

[edit] Operational service

The Stinson 0-49 was used in diverse roles such as towing training gliders, artillery spotting, liaison, emergency rescue, transporting supplies, and special espionage flights[2]. Another contract was later awarded for the O-49A which had a slightly longer fuselage and other equipment changes. In 1942 the aircraft were redesignated the L-1 and L-1A. Eight L-1 and hundred L-1A aircraft were allocated to the British Royal Air Force under the Lend-Lease Act. The RAF designated the aircraft the Vigilant Mk I and Vigilant Mk II.

Aircraft were modified for a variety of roles including as an ambulance aircraft. No further production orders were placed as the aircraft was replaced by the Grasshopper family of aircraft.

[edit] Variants

0-49 Vigilant at Patterson Field during World War II.
0-49 Vigilant at Patterson Field during World War II.
  • Stinson Model 74 - company designation
  • O-49 Vigilant - US military designation for first production batch, later to L-1, 142 built.
  • O-49A Vigilant - US military designation for second production batch, later to L-1A 182 built.
  • O-49B Vigilant - conversion to ambulance version, later L-1B, three conversions.
  • L-1 Vigilant - US military designation for first production batch changed from O-49.
  • L-1A Vigilant - US military designation for second production batch changed from O-49A.
  • L-1B Vigilant - conversion to ambulance version changed from O-49B.
  • L-1C Vigilant - conversion to ambulance version with revised interior, one conversion.
  • L-1D Vigilant - conversion for glider pick-up training, 21 conversions.
  • L-1E Vigilant - conversion of L-1 to ambulance version with float landing gear, seven conversion.
  • L-1F Vigilant - conversion of L-1A to ambulance version with float landing gear, five conversions.
  • Vigilant Mk I - RAF designation of L-1
  • Vigilant Mk II - RAF designation of L-1A
  • CQ-2 Vigilant - conversion to target control aircraft

[edit] Operators

Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom
Flag of the United States United States

[edit] Specifications (L-1A)

Data from American Warplanes of World War II[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3
  • Length: 34 ft 3 in (10.44 m)
  • Wingspan: 50 ft 11 in (15.52 m)
  • Height: 10 ft 2in (3.10 m)
  • Wing area: 329 ft² (30.6 m²)
  • Empty weight: 2670 lb (1211 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 3400 lb (1542 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1× Lycoming R-680-9 radial piston, 295 hp (220 kW)

Performance


[edit] References

  1. ^ The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft Editors: Paul Eden & Soph Moeng, (Amber Books Ltd. Bradley's Close, 74-77 White Lion Street, London, NI 9PF, 2002, ISBN 0-7607-3432-1), page 1100
  2. ^ Photo Gallery
  3. ^ Donald, David (ed.). American Warplanes of World War II. London: Aerospace Publishing, 1995. ISBN 1-874023-72-7.
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). London: Orbis Publishing.


[edit] External links

[edit] See also

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