The Stinson L-5 was the only purpose-built L-bird and the second most widely used liaison aircraft in WWII. It was rugged and powerful. The L-5 was called the Flying Jeep as it could perform many of the same duties.
The Aeronca L-3 joined similar Grasshopper-types in spotting, directing artillery fire, transport, short-range reconnaissance, and training. Some served in North Africa for the Free French Forces.
The Taylorcraft L-2 was an observation and reconnaissance aircraft built for U.S. Army Ground and Air Forces in WWII. L-2s were powered by a 65-horsepower engines and served stateside for training operations.
One of the central themes of EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2020 was slated to be a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. AirVenture may have been canceled this year in light of unprecedented world events, but that doesn’t mean we won’t pause and reflect on the valor and the sacrifice…
The most substantial, and certainly most exceptional, among L-birds was the Stinson L-1 Vigilant. The L-1 derived from Stinson Aircraft Corporation’s Model 74. It was identified by the military as O-49, originally classified as an Observation aircraft. The L-1 was a rarity, due in part to the onerous task of keeping it flying. Its restoration…
Alamo Liaison Squadron (ALS) has once again completed an ensemble of L-birds with the recent acquisition of an Aeronca L-3. Based at Cannon Field in San Antonio, Texas—also known as Military City USA—ALS is home to the only collection of actively flying light World War II liaison aircraft which includes L-2, L-3, L-4, L-5 and…
Called to action, a benevolent pilot in an L-bird replica (Legend Cub) performs candy bomber duties at the Alamo Liaison Squadron Annual Picnic to the delight of children at Cannon Field. Your support of Alamo Liaison Squadron ensures continued participation in events like these.
Not all warbirds had huge engines and breathed fire from multiple gunports. Some were designed to serve ground troops in a manner no other airplane could muster. Enter the Grasshopper. Excerpted from Flightjournal.com, December 2017, by James Busha. In the summer of 1941, with a world war knocking at America’s door, the U.S. Army was…
Scenes from an Independence day flyover at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Your support of Alamo Liaison Squadron ensures continued participation in events like these.
Alamo Liaison Squadron participated in the Startzville, Texas annual 4th of July Parade with a flyover on Saturday, July 1, 2017. The event is hosted by the Startz Memorial VFW Post 8800 in Startzville (Canyon Lake), Texas. Your support of Alamo Liaison Squadron ensures continued participation in events like these.
ALS squadron leader Gene Jensen flew his L-4 Piper Cub to DeRidder, Louisiana—site of the former DeRidder Army Air Base—to participate in a event held there commemorating the birthplace of liaison aviation. Leading up to the U.S. entry into WWII, light aircraft such as the Piper Cub were run through test routines to prove their…
KSAT 12 San Antonio reporter, Katrina Webber: Group’s pastime involves flying high, elevating history. Alamo Liaison Squadron shares history of WWII combat planes in this September 2016 visit. You could say 75-year-old retired Air Force officer, Gene Jensen has a passion for planes. “I don’t remember not wanting to fly.” Jensen owns this Piper L-4…
Alamo Liaison Squadron members performed a flyover for a Veterans Day event in San Antonio, Texas. The flight of four L-birds was comprised of a Piper L-4, two Taylorcraft L-2 and a Legend Cub (L-4 replica). The event was organized by the Education Service Center, Region 20. Your support of Alamo Liaison Squadron ensures continued…