Stinson
OY
Sentinel
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Photo: Robert Deering 4/18/2015
National Museum of Naval Aviation
NAS Pensacola (NPA)

Pensacola, Florida
The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was a World War II era liaison aircraft used by all branches of the U.S. military and by the British Royal Air Force. Along with the Stinson L-1 Vigilant, the L-5 was the only other American liaison aircraft of World War II that was purpose-built for military use and had no civilian counterpart. All other military liaison airplanes adopted during World War II were lightly modified "off-the-shelf" civilian models.

Capable of operating from short unimproved airstrips, the L-5 "Sentinel" delivered personnel, critical intelligence and needed supplies to the front line troops. On return flights, wounded soldiers were often evacuated to rear area field hospitals for medical treatment, boosting the morale of combat troops fighting in remote areas. L-5s were also used for aerial photography, controlling vehicle convoys, para-dropping food, medical supplies and ammunition, laying communication wire, distributing propaganda leaflets, spraying pesticide, transporting prisoners, and directing fighter-bombers to ground targets. The L-5 was also popular with Generals and other high-ranking officers for fast, efficient short-range transportation.

The USAAF, US Marines, and US Navy used this aircraft in the European, Pacific, and Far East theaters during World War II, and in Korea during the Korean War.  The Navy and Marine version of the L-5 through L-5E were designated OY-1, and all these aircraft has 12-volt electrical systems.

The 24-volt L-5G became the OY-2. Neither the L-5G nor OY-2 saw combat during World War II because production did not begin until July, 1945, just weeks before the war ended, but they were used extensively during the Korean War.

Source: Wikipedia

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: 5,600 ft.
Engines: Lycoming O-435-1 of 190 hp
Armament: None
   
SOURCE: National Museum the United States Air Force  
VARIANTS:

L-5
Sentinal