Boeing L-15 Scout
light aircraft by Boeing
The Boeing L-15 Scout or YL-15 is 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 was intended to expand Boeing's 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.
Design
The 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).
Surviving aircraft
47-432 – YL-15 airworthy with Keith N. Brunquist of Wasilla, Alaska.
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