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The Aeronca L-16 Champion is a derivative of Aeronca’s earlier successful observation/liaison platform from World War II, the L-3. The L-16 differs from the L-3 in having more fuel capacity and more powerful engines. Both ‘L’ platforms in the series are militarized versions of the company’s Model 65 tandem-seat trainer.
The L-16 shared most characteristics of earlier versions as the nose-mounted, single-engine aircraft sat on a tail-wheel configuration with a high-wing, tandem (in-line) cockpits with the primary pilot flying from the front-seat and instructor in the back-seat using the dual-controls available. In the observer/liaison role, the second occupant in the backseat had a better view of the ground below since the main landing gear wheels are further forward on the fuselage.
Tinker’s role with the L-16 is presumed to be in-line with its role with other ‘L’ aircraft in the form of standard engine maintenance along with, as needed, repair and overhaul of the aircraft to include repairing the control surfaces and painting.
The newly formed United States Air Force actually procured 609 L-16 aircraft between 1947-1948 for use by the U.S. Army. Despite these modest purchase numbers, the L-16 wasn’t in the Army inventory for very long. With few missions at hand, the aircraft fleet was passed along to the Civil Air Patrol, the official USAF Auxiliary by the mid-1950s.
The L-16 served with the Civil Air Patrol for many years as they were simple, inexpensive aircraft to operate. Eventually replaced in service by newer types, many made their way to the civilian market where they can be found today wearing their military markings with collectors on the warbird scene.
Manufacturer: Aeronca
Aircraft type: L-16
Nickname: Champion
Crew: 1-2
Power plant: Horizontally-opposed Continental O-190 (L-16A) or O-205 (L-16B) engine with 185 horsepower
In-service dates: 1947-late 1950s
Number produced: 609
Tinker connection: Maintenance, repair and overhaul
| Date Taken: | 12.21.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2017 19:04 |
| Story ID: | 259934 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Tinker Celebrates 75 Years: Aeronca L-16 Champion aircraft profile, by Greg L. Davis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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