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TAYLORCRAFT L-2M "GRASSHOPPER"
The L-2, adapted from Taylorcraft's pre-war commercial Model Tandem Trainer, was initially designated the O-57 at the time it was first ordered by the Air Corps. The airplane was given its
service tests in the summer of 1941 during maneuvers in Louisiana and Texas where it was used for various support purposes such as a light transport and courier.
At the time American ground forces went into combat around the world during WW II, the AAF began using the L-2 in much the same manner as the observation balloon was used in France
during WW I--spotting enemy troop and supply concentrations and directing artillery fire on them. It was also used for other types of liaison and transport duties and short-range reconnaissance
which required airplanes that could land and take off in minimum distances from unprepared landing strips.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Span: 36 ft.
Length: 22 ft. 9 in.
Height: 6 ft. 8 in.
Weight: 1,325 lbs. loaded
Armament: None
Engine: Continental O-170-3 of 65 hp.
PERFORMANCE:
Maximum speed: 92 mph.
Cruising speed: 83 mph.
Range: 227 miles
Service Ceiling: 12,000 ft.
The Museum has two L-2M’s belonging to Bill Johnson. One is flyable the other is scheduled for
restoration.
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