Stinson
L-5
Sentinel
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Photo: Robert Deering 1985
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio

Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
Photo: Robert Deering 1991
Midland International Airport (MAF)
Midland, Texas
Photo: Robert Deering 10/12/2008
Alliance Airport (AFW)
Fort Worth, Texas
The L-5 was the military version of the commercial Stinson 105 Voyager. The U.S. Army Air Forces purchased six Voyagers in 1941 as YO-54s for testing, and quantity orders for Sentinels began in 1942. Between 1942-1945, the USAAF ordered 3,590 L-5s, making it the second most widely used USAAF liaison aircraft.

The unarmed L-5, with its short field takeoff and landing capability, was used for reconnaissance, front-line aeromedical evacuation, delivering supplies, laying communications wire, spotting enemy targets, personnel transport, rescue and even as a light bomber. In Asia and the Pacific, L-5s remained in service with the U.S. Air Force as late as 1955.

Donated by Dr. Robert R. Kundel of Rice Lake, Wis., the L-5 on display was restored by the "Oriole Club" 133rd Tactical Airlift Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard. Delivered to the museum in 1977, it is marked as an L-5 of the 25th Liaison Squadron serving in New Guinea in 1944.
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span:  34 ft.
Length:  24 ft. 1 in.
Height:  8 ft. 11 1/2 in.
Empty Weight:  
Gross Weight:  2,050 lbs. maximum
Crew: One pilot and one passenger		 Maximum speed: 130 mph
Cruising speed: 90 mph
Range: 360 miles
Service ceiling: 15,600 ft.
Engines: Lycoming O-435-1 of 190 hp
Armament: None
   
SOURCE: National Museum the United States Air Force  
VARIANTS:

OY
Sentinal