L-5E "Sentinal"
serial number 44-1794
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Wing Span — 34'0"
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Length — 24'1"
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Height — 7'11"
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Maximum Speed — 130 M.P.H.
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Ceiling — 15,800 Ft.
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Range — 270 Miles
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Crew — 2 or one pilot and two litter patients
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Engine — 1 x Lycomming 0-435-1, 4 cylinder engine developing 190 h.p.
Stinson Aircraft were known for their strength and durability. During World War II, as the Army and Army Air Forces advanced, they saw a need for a light observation, air artillery spotter and air ambulance aircraft. Ideally, they needed an airplane that could land on unimproved strips near the front lines.
With this in mind, Stinson proposed lengthening its model 105 "Voyager" to accommodate two litter patients, and widening the entry door and window for greater visibility and ease of loading. This aircraft became known as the Stinson L-5 "Sentinel."
Although the L-5 served in both the European and Pacific Theaters, it is best known for its work in the jungles of the South Pacific. Flying from airstrips carved out of the jungle, the L-5's would fly to the front lines with communications information, ammunition, food and medical supplies. On the return trip, she brought the worst of the wounded soldiers back for medical attention. Operating in the jungles of New Guinea, one group called themselves the "Guinea Short Lines." Many of the soldiers called the L-5's "Swamp Angel:'"
L-5B Sentinel aircraft evacuating casualties on Okinawa
Information based on, “Travis Heritage Center” by Nick Veronico, copyright Travis AFB Historical Society and Travis AFB Heritage Center Foundation.
This book is available from the Travis Heritage Center gift shop.