The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was the FAC of choice during World War II.
By: Norm Goyer
One of the interesting facts of Forward Air Controller aircraft is that nobody every designed one, they just adapted what was available, even though many were not really suitable. When World War II started to escalate, the need for small aircraft to fly cover for the ground troops and to help spot artillery positions became apparent. The Grasshopper fleet could be used in an emergency but these planes were very underpowered, 65-90 hp and super slow spelled “TARGETS.” What was needed was a more powerful and larger aircraft capable of being able to cruise a bit faster, carry a larger payload, mostly in communication equipment, yet still be capable of landing and taking off in small areas closer to the battle front action. The L-4 Cub was typical of the many small two place civilian type training aircraft that were pressed into the military for lack of available aircraft. I have seen an L-4 Cub with smoke rocket launchers strapped to the wing struts. All of the small liaison type aircraft did a fantastic job and deserve the recognition they received, but FAC aircraft, they were not.
Both the Navy and Marines operated L-5s from small aircraft carriers.
Just before hostilities started, the Stinson Division of Consolidate Vultee was building a small 90 hp Stinson 105 Voyager. As the demand for a larger liaison airplane was realized Stinson redesigned the Model 105 into a larger two-place, tandem liaison aircraft called the L-5 Sentinel. They used a Lycoming 185 hp engine, a large fuselage capable of carrying one stretcher and room for radios. The large engine and efficient slot and flap equipped wings gave the aircraft STOL performance and yet was very easy to fly. Those of us who have flown the L-5 certainly know that it was and is a great old airplane. After the war, when they became surplus, many were turned over to CAP Squadrons for search duties. That is where I first flew the L-5. We had a Piper L-4, an Aeronca L-16 and two Stinson L-5s; all were very good search aircraft. Glider clubs also used surplus L-5s as tugs. There was even an L-5 biplane conversion used for ag-dusting. One sat at Flabob Airport in SoCal for years causing many a visitor to exclaim, “What is that?”
Note the wooden prop and large cockpit windows on this L-5.
The original duty of the L-5 “Sentinel” was to deliver information and needed supplies to front line troops. On the return trip, it would evacuate the badly wounded soldiers to rear area field hospitals for medical attention. Troops called the L-5 the Flying Jeep. 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 British RAF operated 100 Sentinels in India and Burma. Over its production life, L-5s were modified with constant speed props, 28 volt batteries and drooping flaps and ailerons. One belonging to the US Marines was even operated from an aircraft carrier. But it was the L-5s successful use as a Forward Aircraft Controller in World War II that will be most remembered.
The Stinson L-5 was inspired by the pre-war Stinson 105 Voyager. Note the signature shape of the vertical stabilizer. The L-5 is a great flying airplane.
Specifications:
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Crew: 2 (pilot and observer)
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Length: 24 ft 1 in
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Wingspan: 34ft 0 in
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Height: 7 ft 11 in
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Wing area: 155 ft²
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Empty weight: 1550 lb
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Loaded weight: 2020 lb
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Max takeoff weight: 2050 lb
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Powerplant: Lycoming O-435-1, 185hp
Performance
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Never exceed speed: 145 knots (163 mph)
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Stall speed: 38 knots (42 mph)
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Range: 375 nm no reserve
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Service ceiling: 15,800 ft
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