CONSOLIDATED VULTEE (CONVAIR) L-13

First built in 1945, the L-13 was intended to meet military requirements for a general-purpose liaison, observation, photographic, and ambulance aircraft. By 1947, 300 aircraft were delivered; twenty-eight were adapted for Arctic use on wheels, skis, or floats. Standard seating was for one pilot, an observer, and a third member aft. As an ambulance airplane, the L-13 carried a pilot, medical attendant, and two casualty stretchers. Power was supplied by a 245-hp Franklin flat six-cylinder engine. The aircraft payload was 833 pounds. As is often the case with military observation/ liaison aircraft, several companies have produced civilian versions. Most conversions are fitted with 300-hp Lycoming radial engines, such as the Centaur 101 (originally the Longren Centaur). This model can seat up to six persons and has double loading doors in the starboard side. The Caribbean Traders Husky Mk 11 is similarly powered but makes use of an extended vertical stabilizer and can accommodate up to eight persons. Another firm, L-13 Inc., built a 300-hp version that could carry up to one ton of cargo in addition to the pilot. Its structure is reinforced, but otherwise it is similar to the Centaur 101 and the Husky.