L-1 Vigilant
| Country | United States |
| Manufacturer | Stinson Aircraft Company |
| Primary Role | Other |
| Maiden Flight | 15 July 1940 |
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.
ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia
Last Major Revision: May 2012
L-1 Vigilant Timeline
| 15 Jul 1940 | The YO-49 Vigilant prototype aircraft took its first flight with pilot Al Schramm. |
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
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James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, 23 Feb 1945
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.