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| The L-4A liaison aircraft, originally designated the O-59, was the military version of the famous Piper J3 Cub. The Army ordered the first O-59s in 1941 for tests in conjunction with its growing interest in the use of light aircraft for liaison and observation duties in direct support of ground forces. Between 1941 and 1945, the Army procured almost 6,000 Piper Aircraft.
During World War II, Grasshoppers performed a wide variety of functions throughout the world, including artillery fire direction, pilot training, glider pilot instruction, courier service and front-line liaison. SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 35 ft. 3 in. Length: 22 ft. 5 in. Height: 6 ft. 8 inches Weight: 1,200 lbs. maximum Armament: None Engine: Continental O-170 of 65 hp Cost: $2,600 PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 85 mph Cruising speed: 75 mph Range: 190 miles Service ceiling: 9,300 ft. |
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| Bibliography: National Museum of the USAF |