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L-6 /
O-63 Grasshopper
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%20(8X4).JPG) |
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Photo:
Robert Deering 10/18/2012 National Museum of the USAF Wright-Paterson AFB (FFO) Dayton, Ohio |
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The Interstate
Co. entered the aviation industry in 1940
with the S-1B "Cadet," a tandem seat liaison
airplane. When the United States entered
World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces
contracted with Interstate for 250 S-1B
aircraft, designating the prototype as the
XO-63. It was the last airplane to use the
"O" (for observation) designation. Later,
the USAAF designated the production airplane
as the L-6. The aircraft, however, had significant overheating problems that were only partially solved. It had the dubious distinction that fewer L-6s were built than any other USAAF liaison aircraft. The USAAF used the L-6 as a utility transport, liaison and training aircraft in the United States but never shipped it overseas. After the war, the remaining L-6s were sold as surplus. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engine: Franklin XO-200-5 115 hp Maximum speed: 105 mph Range: 540 miles Span: 35 ft. 6 in. Length: 23 ft. 5.5 in. Height: 7 ft. 3 in. Weight: 1,650 lbs. loaded Serial number: 43-2680 Source: National Museum of the United States Air Force |
