World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseThe Vigilant aircraft was designed in response to the 1938 United States Air Corps request for a new two-seat light observation aircraft design. The prototype aircraft, which took flight on 15 Jul 1940, was designated YO-49 during the evaluation period and O-49 upon acceptance. During the war, Vigilant aircraft operated as an artillery observation aircraft, towed gliders, and transported passengers and supplies. In Apr 1942, the US Army gave the O-49 Vigilant aircraft a new designation, L-1 Vigilant. They were made obsolete in 1942 upon the arrival of newer designs.

ww2dbaseA small number of these aircraft were operated by the British Royal Air Force; they were designated Vigilant Mk I and Vigilant Mk II in British service.

ww2dbaseDuring the design's production life, 324 examples were built.

L-1 Vigilant Timeline

SPECIFICATIONS

L-1A

Machinery	One Lycoming R-680-9 radial piston engine rated at 295hp
Crew	3
Span	15.52 m
Length	10.44 m
Height	3.10 m
Wing Area	30.60 m²
Weight, Empty	1,211 kg
Weight, Maximum	1,542 kg
Speed, Maximum	196 km/h
Service Ceiling	3,900 m
Range, Normal	451 km

Photographs

Visitor Submitted Comments

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1.  Alan says:
7 May 2012 03:30:07 AM

The RAF received 8 L1(Vigilant Mk.I) and 100 L1A(Vigilant Mk.II)respectively under Lend-Lease arrangements. Most of the latter were kept under joint Anglo-Americasm control. Stinson Aircraft Corporation was a sub-division of Vultee from 1940.