L-5 Sentinel, U.S.
Liaison and Observation Aircraft (original) (raw)
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The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia | |
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Stinson L-5 Sentinel
| Crew | 1 or 2 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 34' by 24'1" by 9'10.4m by 7.3m by 2.7m |
| Weight | 2050 lbs maximum930 kg maximum |
| Maximum speed | 130 mph209 km/h |
| Cruise speed | 90 mph145 km/h |
| Landing speed | 50 mph80 km/h |
| Service ceiling | 15,600 feet4800 meters |
| Range | 360 miles580 km |
| Fuel capacity | 36 gallons136 liters |
| Engines | One 190 hp Lycoming O-435-1 |
| Production | 3590 from 1942 to 1945 |
| Modifications | A small number were equipped with floats for service with air-sea rescue squadrons |
The L-5 Sentinel was a versatile light unarmed aircraft. It had a good short field capability and was used for everything from spotting for artilleryto evacuation of casualties. Some 85% of all observed artillery fire on Saipan was directed by OY-1 Sentinels (the Navy version of the aircraft) launched from escort carriers. A single OY-1 could direct five tons of shells every three minutes at any target in sight, which compared favorably with even the heaviest bombers.
References
FM 6-150 (1944-8-30; accessed 2012-7-9)
National Museum of the USAF (accessed 2008-10-11)
The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2008, 2012 by Kent G. Budge. Index
