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United States' Stinson / Vultee L-1 Vigilant liaison
Photos
- Stinson O-49 Vigilant liaison
At Patterson Field.
Public domain. - Stinson L-1 Vigilant liaison
Public domain.
- Vultee L-1 Vigilant liaison
Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook
- Vultee L-1 Vigilant liaison
Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook
Design
In 1940 the United States Army Air Corps put out a specification for a liaison aircraft. Stinson's O-49 was selected and 142 ordered.
The structure was mostly metal with a fabric cover.
The ailerons went down 26° when they were fully dropped.
Redesignation
In 1942 the O-49 became the L-1, and the O-49A became the L-1A.
Production
- Stinson O-49, L-1: 142
- Stinson O-49A, L-1A: 182
Variants
- Stinson O-49, L-1:
- Stinson O-49A, L-1A: Longer fuselage and additional equipment.
Usage
Lend Lease
The L-1 and L-1A were supplied to the Royal Air Force (RAF) under Lend Lease. They were named the Vigilant.
The RAF used the Vigilants mostly for artillery spotting in the Mediterranean.
Sources:
- Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook, Ensign L. C. Guthman, 1943
- The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
