Aircraft Quiz #64

[Doug Robertson]

In my answer to Quiz #63 I hinted that there were World War II American L-aircraft that were officially built/impressed in a small quantity-as small as just ONE each as an L-designation, to be specific. So, for this quiz name these TWO L- (Liaison) aircraft that were so built and flew for the American military forces.

First aircraft.
1a. Make?, 1b. Maker's model designation?, 1c. Official military L- designation?, 1d. Powerplant and horsepower?, 1e. Serial number?

Second aircraft.
1a. Make?, 2b. Maker's model designation?, 1c. Official military L- designation?, 1d. Powerplant and horsepower?, 1e. Serial number?

Either L- aircraft may be your first or your second answer. Any dates of first service are immaterial to your answers. This quiz is tough to get all correct; I will admit.

[SunvisorFlyer]

There were a number of Waco aircraft that were impressed as liaison aircraft, but I don't think they ever had an L-# attached to them.

I will keep looking.

[Doug Robertson]

SunvisorFlyer, I agree with you re your Waco comment.

[Ztex]

Bellanca
31-50 Skyrocket
L-11
P&W Hornet
no clue of the serial number.

Is the other the Stinson L-9 (as opposed to the L-9A and L-9B)
with the 90HP Franklin?

[Doug Robertson]

Thank you Zane, Congrats are due you....,

but there were eight Stinson 10-As and 10-Bs of ATC #754 as L-9s impressed into military service from civil owners that were officially designated L-9As. Other O/L- Stinsons were the O-49/L-1, L-1, OY-54, O-54, OY-1, L-5, L-5B, L-9/O-62 and L-12-no single acquisitions among them.

Back to L-11....

I will give you a mainly half-right on this quiz. The SOLE L-11 military liaison aircraft was indeed a Bellanca 31-50, built in 1935. Only seven Bellanca 31-50s were ever built. Six place high wing of 56' wingspan and 28' long. 180 mph, range-920 miles, empty weight 3,150 lbs. My info has it powered by a 600 Hp P&W R-1340 which I know as a Wasp radial, the R-985 of 450 Hp being known as the Wasp Jr.

The Military SerNo was 42-107421. The sole L-11 did assigned military liaison duty in Alaska on the Canadian Oil Pipeline and the ALCAN Highway construction projects in May of 1942, but was struck as un-airworthy in October, 1942. Short duty.

Incidentally, the Approved Type Certificate No. 565 was assigned by the CAA of the Dept. of Commerce and the aircraft's nick-name was the Bellanca Senior Skyrocket. And, the Bellanca 31-50 was very similar to the later-built De Havilland of Canada U-A1 OTTER; some might say almost identical!

Quiz #64 remains open for the other sole L- bird. Please keep trying..

[Doug Robertson]

With over 500 views of this puppy and no right answer for the other sole L- bird, here are the answers, which may surprise.

1. Ryan Aeronautical Corporation

2, SCW-145

3. L-10

4a. Warner "Super Scarab" seven cylinder radial., model 50-499. 4b. 145 Hp

5. SerNo 42-107412

Ryan manufactured just 12, or 14 (depending on references) SCW-145 low wing fixed gear tailwheel mainly aluminum aircraft to ATC No. 658.

The single L-10 impressed into military service was NC18916, originally built as C/N 211. The US Army disposed of it in November 1944. In the 1980s this aircraft was still in civilian service as N46207. I have not checked for currency of that N number now; leaving that to the readers here.

As an L bird, I believe the sole L-10 was further unique in being a low wing aircraft. Other L- or O- (Observation) birds were all high wing aircraft, allowing easier downward reconnaissance of a battlefield or enemy troop emplacements in wartime.

The Ryan SCW-145 is a rare aircraft, and I have photographed just one at SZP which is on this site. Please see the sole 13 photos here of N18900, which has been re-engined and is now Experimental classed, as of the photos' date.

I thank all who viewed this Quiz.