United States Army

Fixed Wing Aircraft

Grasshopper

{ L-2M }

TAYLORCRAFT L-2M, L-3, L-4 and L-5

"GRASSHOPPER"



The L-2, adapted from Taylorcraft's pre-war commercial Model Tandem Trainer,
was initially designated the O-57 at the time it was first ordered by the Air Corps.
The airplane was given its service tests in the summer of 1941 during maneuvers
in Louisiana and Texas where it was used for various support purposes such as a
light transport and courier.

At the time American ground forces went into combat around the world during
WW II, the AAF began using the L-2 in much the same manner as the observation
balloon was used in France during WW I--spotting enemy troop and supply
concentrations and directing artillery fire on them. It was also used for other types
of liaison and transport duties and short-range reconnaissance which required
airplanes that could land and take off in minimum distances from unprepared
landing strips.

The L-2 on display was donated by Staff Sergeant Nelson K. Corbin of Memphis,
Tennessee, in May 1964.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 36 ft.
Length: 22 ft. 9 in.
Height: 6 ft. 8 in.
Weight: 1,325 lbs. loaded
Armament: None
Engine: Continental O-170-3 of 65 hp.
Displayed as (S/N): 42-26753

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 92 mph.
Cruising speed: 83 mph.
Range: 227 miles
Service Ceiling: 12,000 ft.