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{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name = L-15 Scout
|name = L-15 Scout
|image = Plane crew in front of plane history photo.jpg
|image = Pilot and crew members with plane.jpg
|caption = YL-15 (foreground) of US Fish & Wildlife Service
|caption = US Fish & Wildlife Service YL-15
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type = Liaison aircraft
|type = Liaison
|manufacturer = Boeing
|manufacturer = [[Boeing]]
|national origin= United States
|designer = <!--Only appropriate for single designers, not project leaders-->
|first flight = 13 July 1947
|first flight = 13 July 1947
|status = Retired
|introduction = <!--Date the aircraft entered or will enter military or revenue service-->
|primary user = [[United States Army|US Army]]
|retired = <!--Date the aircraft left service. If vague or more than a few dates, skip this -->
|more users = [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service|US Fish & Wildlife Service]]
|status = <!--In most cases, redundant; use sparingly-->
|primary user = <!-- list only one user; for military aircraft, this is a nation or a service arm. Please DON'T add those tiny flags, as they limit horizontal space. -->
|more users = <!--Limited to three in total; separate using <br> -->
|produced = <!--Years in production (eg. 1970-1999) if still in active use but no longer built -->
|number built = 12
|number built = 12
|program cost = <!--Total program cost-->
|unit cost = <!--Incremental or flyaway cost for military or retail price for commercial aircraft-->
|developed from = <!--The aircraft which formed the basis for this aircraft-->
|variants with their own articles = <!--Variants OF this aircraft-->
}}
}}
|}
|}
The '''Boeing L-15 Scout''' or YL-15 was a small, [[piston engine]] liaison aircraft built by [[Boeing]] in very small numbers after [[World War II]]. It was a short take-off and landing ([[STOL]]) aircraft powered by a 125&nbsp;hp [[Lycoming Engines|Lycoming]] engine. The L-15 was an attempt by Boeing to expand its product line as World War II drew to a close and Boeing's production of combat aircraft declined. Boeing decided against marketing the L-15 as a general aviation aircraft, and the twelve that were produced went to the [[United States Army]] for testing then were transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in [[Alaska]] for various duties.
The '''Boeing L-15 Scout''' or YL-15 was a small, [[Reciprocating engine|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 {{cvt|125|hp}} [[Lycoming Engines|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.


==Design==
==Design==
The scout was a conventional geared aircraft that was also tested on ski and float gear. The unique fuselage tapered sharply behind the pilot similar to a helicopter fuselage, with a high mounted boom supporting the tail surfaces. The original design included a single vertical stabilizer, but two small downward mounted stabilizers were used on production models. Spoiler-ailerons were used for roll control, and full length flaps were mounted on the trailing edge of the wings. The rear fuselage was all-window, and the tandem co-pilot could swivel the chair rearward.
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 cruise speed was only 101&nbsp;mph, the aircraft was rated to be towed by another aircraft at speeds up to 160&nbsp;mph.<ref>{{cite journal|magazine=Plane and Pilot|date=July 1967}}</ref>
Although its maximum speed was only {{cvt|112|mph}}, it was rated to be towed by another aircraft at speeds up to {{cvt|160|mph}}.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Plane and Pilot|title=|date=July 1967}}</ref>

==Surviving aircraft==
* 47-432 – YL-15 airworthy with Keith N. Brunquist of [[Wasilla, Alaska]].<ref>{{cite web |title=FAA Registry [N4770C] |url=http://www.registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N4770C |website=Federal Aviation Administration |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |access-date=6 March 2023 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing YL-15 - Defying Physics |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POD3KrmmgQU |website=YouTube |access-date=6 March 2023 |date=20 October 2017}}</ref>


==Operators==
==Operators==
;{{flag|United States|1912}}
;{{flag|United States|1912}}
*[[United States Army]]
*[[United States Army]]
*[[United States Fish and Wildlife Service]]


==Specifications (XL-15) ==
== Specifications (XL-15) ==
[[File:Boeing L-15 Scout 3-view line drawing.png|thumb|Boeing L-15 Scout 3-view drawing]]
{{Aircraft specifications


{{Aircraft specs
<!-- please answer the following questions -->
|ref=Boeing Aircraft since 1916<ref name="Bowersp375-6">Bowers 1989, pp. 374–375.</ref>
|plane or copter?=plane<!-- options: plane/copter -->
|prime units?=imp
|jet or prop?=prop<!-- options: jet/prop/both/neither -->
|crew=Two (pilot and observer)
|ref=Boeing Aircraft since 1916 <ref name="Bowersp375-6">Bowers 1989, p.374-375.</ref>
|length ft=25|length in=3
<!-- Now, fill out the specs. Please include units where appropriate (main comes first, alt in parentheses). If an item doesn't apply, like capacity, leave it blank. For instructions on using |more general=, |more performance=, |power original=, and |thrust original= see [[Template talk:Aircraft specifications]]. To add a new line, end the old one with a right parenthesis ")", and start a new fully formatted line beginning with * -->
|span ft=40|span in=0
|crew= Two (pilot and observer)
|height ft=8|height in=8+1/2
|capacity=
|wing area sqft=269
|length main= 25 ft 3 in
|empty weight lb=1509|gross weight lb=2050
|length alt= 7.70 m
<!-- Powerplant -->
|span main= 40 ft 0 in
|eng1 number=1|eng1 name=[[Lycoming O-290]]-7|eng1 type=four-cylinder air-cooled [[horizontally-opposed engine]]|eng1 hp=125
|span alt= 12.20 m
|prop blade number=
|height main= 8 ft 8½ in
|height alt= 2.65 m
|area main= 269 ft²
|area alt= 25.0 m²
|airfoil=
|empty weight main= 1,509 lb
|empty weight alt= 686 kg
|loaded weight main= 2,050 lb
|loaded weight alt= 932 kg
|useful load main=
|useful load alt=
|max takeoff weight main=
|max takeoff weight alt=
|more general=
|engine (prop)= [[Lycoming O-290]]-7
|type of prop=four cylinder air cooled horizontally opposed engine
|number of props=1
|power main= 125 hp
|power alt= 93 kW
|power original=
|max speed main= 97 knots
|max speed alt= 112 mph, 180 km/h
|cruise speed main= 88 knots
|cruise speed alt= 101 mph, 163 km/h
|never exceed speed main=
|never exceed speed alt=
|stall speed main= 30 knots
|stall speed alt= 35mph, 56 km/h
|range main= <!-- nm-->
|range alt= <!-- mi, km-->
|ferry range main=
|ferry range alt=
|ferry range more=
|ceiling main= 16,400 ft
|ceiling alt= 5,000 m
|climb rate main= 628 ft/min
|climb rate alt= 3.2 m/s
|loading main= 7.62 lb/ft²
|loading alt= 37.3 kg/m²
|thrust/weight=<!-- a unitless ratio -->
|power/mass main= 0.061 hp/lb
|power/mass alt= 0.10 kW/kg
|more performance=*'''Endurance:''' 2¼ hours normal, 5½ hours with external fuel
|avionics=


<!-- Performance -->
|max speed mph=112|cruise speed mph=101|stall speed mph=35
|range miles=
|endurance={{frac|2|1|4}} hours normal, {{frac|5|1|2}} hours with external fuel
|ceiling ft=16400
|climb rate ftmin=628
}}
}}


<!--==See also== -->
==See also==
{{Aircontent|
|related=
|similar aircraft=
* [[Aero Ae 50]]
* [[Auster B.4]]
* [[I.S.T. XL-15 Tagak]]
* [[Miles M.68]]
* {{ill|Praga XE-55|cs}}
|lists=
|see also=
}}


==References==
==References==
Line 103: Line 73:
===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
*Bowers, Peter M. ''Boeing Aircraft since 1916''. London: Putnam, Third edition 1989. ISBN 0-85177-804-6.
*Bowers, Peter M. ''Boeing Aircraft since 1916''. London: Putnam, Third edition 1989. {{ISBN|0-85177-804-6}}.
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=oyQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA23&dq=popular+science+1947+L-15A&hl=en&ei=1EXWTNPjGpGlnQeY0YSwCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=true '' "Grasshopper Eye's Widen" '', March 1947, Popular Science] article with explanation of unique features of L-15A
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=O-ADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA96&dq=popular+mechanics+1947+%22cloudster%22&hl=en&ei=8fvYTP70B4WnnAe9nO3pCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=true '' "Eye For Ground Forces Fly As Low As 50 mph" '', March 1947, Popular Mechanics] good photo of rear observers unique position
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=oyQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA23 '' "Grasshopper's Eyes Widen" '', March 1947, Popular Science] article with explanation of unique features of L-15A
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=RigDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA141&dq=popular+science+%22XL-15%22&hl=en&ei=kDnWTMLjGo-fnQeE-vicCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=true '' "XL-15 Folds Up For A Tow" '', February 1948, Popular Science] middle of page
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=O-ADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA96 '' "Eye For Ground Forces Fly As Low As 50 mph" '', March 1947, Popular Mechanics] good photo of rear observer's unique position
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=RigDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA141 '' "XL-15 Folds Up For A Tow" '', February 1948, Popular Science] middle of page
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1947/1947%20-%202019.html ''Flight'', November 20th 1947, page 573] bottom of page shows XL-15A on floats, with specification when operated as float plane
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1947/1947%20-%202019.html ''Flight'', November 20th 1947, page 573] bottom of page shows XL-15A on floats, with specification when operated as float plane
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=hCQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA8&dq=popular+science+%22L-15%22&hl=en&ei=0TrWTJ3OIuHhnQeh9rXWCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CEgQ6AEwCDgU#v=onepage&q&f=true '' "New Eyes For The Army Ground Forces" '', October 1947, Popular Science] US Army recruiting ad featuring L-15A
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=hCQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA8 '' "New Eyes For The Army Ground Forces" '', October 1947, Popular Science] US Army recruiting ad featuring L-15A
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POD3KrmmgQU '' "EAA video: Boeing YL-15 – Defying Physics" ''], EAA YouTube Published Oct 20, 2017


{{Boeing model numbers }}
{{USAF liaison aircraft}}
{{USAF liaison aircraft}}
{{Boeing Aircraft}}


[[Category:United States military reconnaissance aircraft 1940–1949]]
[[Category:Boeing aircraft|L-15 Scout]]
[[Category:Boeing aircraft|L-15 Scout]]
[[Category:1940s United States military reconnaissance aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1947]]
[[Category:Twin-tail aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 22:49, 5 September 2024

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

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.

Design

[edit]

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).[1]

Surviving aircraft

[edit]

Operators

[edit]
 United States

Specifications (XL-15)

[edit]
Boeing L-15 Scout 3-view drawing

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

[edit]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Plane and Pilot. July 1967. {{cite magazine}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ^ "FAA Registry [N4770C]". Federal Aviation Administration. U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved 6 March 2023.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "Boeing YL-15 - Defying Physics". YouTube. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  4. ^ Bowers 1989, pp. 374–375.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Bowers, Peter M. Boeing Aircraft since 1916. London: Putnam, Third edition 1989. ISBN 0-85177-804-6.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Boeing L-15 Scout.
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