Aeronca L

The Aeronca L was a 1930s American cabin monoplane designed and built, in small numbers, by Aeronca Aircraft. It differed significantly from other Aeronca planes by the use of radial engines, streamlining, and a cantilever low wing.[1][2]

Aeronca L
An Aeronca LB
Role Cabin monoplane
National origin United States of America
Manufacturer Aeronca Aircraft
Introduction 1935
Primary user Private pilot owners
Number built 65
Unit cost
LA $2750, LB $2995, LC $3275 (1937)

Design and construction

Quite unlike other Aeronca designs, the Model L was a "cantilever" (no external struts for bracing) low-wing monoplane, that featured side-by-side seating in a completely enclosed cabin.[1][2] The design reflected the greater attention being paid to aerodynamics in the period, including large wheel spats for the fixed undercarriage[1] and a Townend ring for the engine.[3] The aircraft was of mixed-construction with a welded steel fuselage and wings with spruce spars and ribs, all covered with fabric.

Initial attempts to use Aeronca's own engines proved inadequate, and the company turned to small radial engines from other suppliers—particularly neighboring Cincinnati engine manufacturer LeBlond.[1][2]

Operational history

The Model L was mainly flown by private pilot owners. The plane was not a big seller. Difficulty with engine sources, and a destructive flood, in 1937, at Aeronca's factory at Cincinnati's Lunken Airport, took the energy out of the program, and Aeronca went back to high-wing light aircraft.[1][2]

(With the end of sales to Aeronca, LeBlond sold their engine-manufacturing operation to an Aeronca-rival planemaker, Kansas City-based Rearwin Aircraft, who resumed production of the engines under the brand name "Ken-Royce," largely for use in Rearwin planes).[1][2]

Variants
LA
Fitted with a 70 hp (52 kW) LeBlond 5DE engine, 9 built
LB
Fitted with an 85 hp (63 kW) LeBlond 5DF engine, 29 built
LC
Fitted with a 90 hp (67 kW) Warner Scarab Jr engine, 15 built
LD
Fitted with a 90 hp (67 kW) Lambert R-266 5-cyl. radial engine.

Surviving aircraft

The EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin has a 1937 Aeronca LC in its collection.[3]

The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum of Hood River, Oregon, has an airworthy Aeronica LC. Aeronca LB N16271 is in final stages of restoration as of Jan.,2015; Aeronca LC NC17442 (cn 2056) is also on display in the Museum.[4]

Specifications (Model LC)

Data from EAA

General characteristics

Performance

Notes
  1. Harris, Richard, "Aeronca: Birth of the Personal Plane," AAHS Journal, Summer 2007, vol.52, #2, American Aviation Historical Society
  2. Harris, Richard, "Aeronca/Champion History: Beyond the Bathtub -- Chiefs, Champs & Citabrias," from articles first appearing in In Flight USA, 2003-2004, condensed on author's website, retrieved Jan. 31, 2016.
  3. "Aeronca LC". Archived from the original on 16 March 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
  4. "Aeronca LC". Retrieved 9 October 2012.

References
  • Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions: London. p. 31
  • Holcomb's Aerodrome
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