Stinson L-13

The Stinson L‑13, produced by the Stinson Aircraft Corporation in the early 1930s, was a versatile light utility plane that played a modest yet notable role in American aviation. Developed from the earlier Stinson SM‑1 series, the L‑13 first flew in 1932 and was marketed primarily to private owners, flight schools, and small charter operators. Its high‑wing, strut‑braced monoplane design offered excellent visibility and stable handling, while the fully enclosed cabin accommodated up to four passengers on plush leather seats. Powered by a reliable 125‑horsepower Lycoming R‑680 radial engine, the aircraft could cruise at 115 mph and achieve a range of roughly 500 miles, making it suitable for both short‑range transport and sightseeing flights. The L‑13 featured a fixed tailwheel landing gear, simple steel tube fuselage, and fabric‑covered wings that facilitated easy maintenance in the field. Though production numbers were limited—only about 70 airframes were built—the model demonstrated Stinson’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and contributed to the popularity of high‑wing monoplanes in the interwar period. Its reputation for robustness helped pave the way for later Stinson designs that served military and civilian markets worldwide.

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