Liaison "The Bug Smasher"
US Army
N85002
Seemingly fragile, the Aeronca's structure was sturdy enough to put up with the rigors of combat duty, for those little two-seat "Grasshoppers" served with the Army and Air Force in the Korean War, as well as with the National Guard stateside, and as primary trainer of choice for the Civil Air Patrol in the mid-'50s.
Modified from the post-war civil Aeronca 7BC Champion, which was one of the two most popular light plane trainers (the other was the ubiquitous Piper Cub), the L-16, like our L-5, could operate out of the most economical space, and filled vital roles as aerial ambulance, artillery spotter, and personnel transport. Essentially this Aeronca Champion was an upgraded version of the World War II Aeronca L-3 design that entered service in 1941 as Observation classification O-58 Defender. Five hundred and nine L-16As were built, and 100 more were delivered as L-19B with a 90 hp Continental O-205-1.
The "Bug Smasher" Our '49 Aeronca is detailed out as a medical evacuation plane for the 86th Inf. Regt, 10th Mountain Division and represents the museum frequently where it is seen as part of a "fly-by" for community parades, etc.
Manufactured by Aeronca Aircraft Corp, Middletown OH.| Powerplant: | 90hp Continental C-90-12F |
| Wingspan: | 35' 2" |
| Length: | 21' 6" |
| Height: | 7' 0" |
| Wing area: | 158 sq ft |
| Empty weight: | 865 lbs |
| Gross weight: | 1,300 lbs |
| Maximum speed: | 108 mph |
| Cruising speed: | 95 mph |
| Landing speed: | 43 mph |
| Ceiling: | 13,750' |
| Range: | 290 statute miles |
| Status: | Privately Owned/ Operational* |
*Some of the aircraft listed "On Loan" are privately owned by individuals or corperations and are proudly displayed at the Estrella Warbird Museum. The Estrella WarBirds Museum does not own, restore, operate nor maintain flyable aircraft.
We are grateful that the owners display their aircraft at the museum for the public to view.
Any courtesy rides given by aircraft owners is an agreement solely between the person that owns the aircraft and passenger.
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