The Boeing L-15 Scout or YL-15 was a small, piston engine liaison aircraft built by Boeing in small numbers after World War II. It was a short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft powered by a 125 hp (93 kW) Lycoming engine. The L-15 intended by Boeing to expand its product line as World War II drew to a close, and Boeing's production of military aircraft declined. Boeing decided against marketing the L-15 as a general aviation aircraft, and the twelve produced went to the United States Army for testing, then were transferred to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska for various duties.
| L-15 Scout | |
|---|---|
| |
| US Fish & Wildlife Service YL-15 | |
| Role | Liaison |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 13 July 1947 |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary users | US Army US Fish & Wildlife Service |
| Number built | 12 |
Design
editThe scout was a conventional geared aircraft that was also tested on ski and float gear. The unusual fuselage tapered sharply behind the pilot similar to a helicopter fuselage, with a high-mounted boom supporting the tail. The original design included a single vertical tail, but two small downward-mounted fins were used on all but the first aircraft. Spoilers were used to provide lateral control instead of ailerons, and full span trailing edge flaps were used. The rear fuselage was extensively glazed, and the tandem co-pilot could swivel their seat to the rear.
Although its maximum speed was only 112 mph (180 km/h), it was rated to be towed by another aircraft at speeds up to 160 mph (260 km/h).[1]
Surviving aircraft
edit- 47-432 – YL-15 airworthy with Keith N. Brunquist of Wasilla, Alaska.[2][3]
Operators
edit
Specifications (XL-15)
edit
Data from Boeing Aircraft since 1916[4]
General characteristics
- Crew: Two (pilot and observer)
- Length: 25 ft 3 in (7.70 m)
- Wingspan: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
- Height: 8 ft 8+1⁄2 in (2.654 m)
- Wing area: 269 sq ft (25.0 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,509 lb (684 kg)
- Gross weight: 2,050 lb (930 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-290-7 four-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed engine, 125 hp (93 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 112 mph (180 km/h, 97 kn)
- Cruise speed: 101 mph (163 km/h, 88 kn)
- Stall speed: 35 mph (56 km/h, 30 kn)
- Endurance: 2+1⁄4 hours normal, 5+1⁄2 hours with external fuel
- Service ceiling: 16,400 ft (5,000 m)
- Rate of climb: 628 ft/min (3.19 m/s)
See also
editAircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
editNotes
edit- ^ Plane and Pilot. July 1967.
{{cite magazine}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "FAA Registry [N4770C]". Federal Aviation Administration. U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved 6 March 2023.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Boeing YL-15 - Defying Physics". YouTube. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
- ^ Bowers 1989, pp. 374–375.
Bibliography
edit- Bowers, Peter M. Boeing Aircraft since 1916. London: Putnam, Third edition 1989. ISBN 0-85177-804-6.
External links
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- "Grasshopper's Eyes Widen" , March 1947, Popular Science article with explanation of unique features of L-15A
- "Eye For Ground Forces Fly As Low As 50 mph" , March 1947, Popular Mechanics good photo of rear observer's unique position
- "XL-15 Folds Up For A Tow" , February 1948, Popular Science middle of page
- Flight, November 20th 1947, page 573 bottom of page shows XL-15A on floats, with specification when operated as float plane
- "New Eyes For The Army Ground Forces" , October 1947, Popular Science US Army recruiting ad featuring L-15A
- "EAA video: Boeing YL-15 – Defying Physics" , EAA YouTube Published Oct 20, 2017