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L-17B Liaison and Staff Transport Aircraft Serial No. 48-938 |
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1st Cavalry Division |
8th U.S. Army |
| North American Aviation developed this aircraft during the
last years of WWII for the post war civilian market. Its simple, but rugged construction,
impressive rough field performance and automobile type seating made it an ideal liaison
and staff transport aircraft. At the outbreak of the Korean War the L-17 was one of the
first Army aircraft to arrive in Korea. Because of its radio suite was compatible with
those in U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft, the L-17 flew Forward Air Control missions
guiding fighters into their target areas. These L-17s were fitted with underwing pylons
for light bombs and rockets. Primarily, however, the L-17 during the Korean War was used
for VIP transport and, medical evacuation. By 1957 the Navion was replaced in front line
service with more modern aircraft types. The aircraft flew in active service until the mid
1960’s. Accepted on 14 December 1948 by the U.S. Army from the manufacturer, Ryan Aeronautical Company, and delivered to the Army on 13 December 1948 in San Antonio, Texas. The aircraft served in the continental U.S. with Army Field Forces as a Liaison and VIP transport until it was released from military service and transferred to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in February 1959. The CAP flew the aircraft on air rescue missions until it was sold to its first civilian owners in the mid 1960s. Unusual for a Navion is that this aircraft has no civilian modifications altering its original Army configuration. Restored by owners Gary and Joni Hall to the unit markings of the 1st Cavalry Division, this aircraft represents the L-17’s appearance during the Korean War, 1950-’53. |
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| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Crew: | 1 Pilot and 3 passengers |
| Powerplant: | Continental 0-470-9 (civilian E-185-9) |
| Cruise Speed: | 155 mph |
| Range: | 560-740 miles |
| Armament: | None normally fitted. Some L-17s operated in the Korea War with underwing pylons for light bombs and 2.75 in. rocket pods. |
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L-17B 48-938, flown by owner LTC Gary Hall, USA Ret. |
