As was the case with many other liaison and observation aircraft, the L-5G was a militarized version of a civilian light airplane design, in this case the Stinson Model 105 Voyager.  Like its civilian counterpart, the airplane is constructed of a tubular steel-framed fuselage with wooden wings and tail surfaces, with a fabric covering. The leading edge slots and aileron design allow for stable slow flight, perfect for observation missions.

Originally pressed into service in WW2, L-5s soldiered on into the Korean Conflict.  Of the 3,590 produced, some 200 are still flying.

Some L-5s were modified to become air ambulances, by putting a deck into the aft fuselage to hold a single stretcher.  Doors on the right side of the fuselage allowed access to this area.  Planes of Fame Air Museum's L-5 aircraft, acquired in 1962, is one of these aerial ambulances.

SPECIFICATIONS