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Description
| Manufacturer: | Convair | |
| Base model: | L-13 | |
| Designation: | L-13 | |
| Version: | A | |
| Designation System: | U.S. Air Force | |
| Designation Period: | 1942-1962 | |
| Basic role: | Liaison | |
Specifications
| Not Yet Available |
Known serial numbers
Examples of this type may be found at
| Museum | City | State |
| Castle Air Museum | Atwater | California |
| The Air Museum "Planes of Fame" | Chino | California |
| United States Army Aviation Museum | Ozark | Alabama |
L-13A on display
The Air Museum "Planes of Fame" |
Recent comments by our visitors
| Jim Davidson Bellingham, WA | Here is a bit more information on the flagship of the L-13 fleet, 2544B. This was the first L-13A converted to a 450 P&W R-985 by Mr Castle's friend, whose name escapes me at this time. 44B was flown to every country in North and South America during sales promotions for the R-985 conversion. I purchased 44B from a friend in 1977 in Anchorage Ak, and was the ecstatic owner of her for several years, bush flying in Alaska. She was a homesick angel, jumping off the ground like a super cub, and floating to landings like a leaf. The 450 hp L-13 is one of the elite bush planes ever built, a very very forgiving plane that was a pure joy to fly. The only plane I ever flew where I was able to rock the wings while in a stall. This was due to the leading edge slats in front of the ailerons which kept air flow in a laminar condition during a stall, enabling aileron control. I am, also, the individual who, very, very sadly crashed 44B in Girdwood Ak in the late fall of 1980. The crash was caused by the brakes freezing up. There was no icing on the airframe or visible in any manner, however the design of the brake system, and worn drums allowed some moisture in the drums to freeze up, which flipped the plane while executing a wheel landing with full fuel tanks. 44B was stolen from my property a few years later while I was on an extended visit outside of Ak. After an unknown number of people found out they could not license the plane because I was the legal owner and had never signed the title over, Mr Prall found me through the FAA registry, and I was so overjoyed that a reputable person was attempting to restore her, which I had been financially unable to do, that I just gave the title to Mr Prall. Mr Prall, if you read this, I would enjoy hearing from you as to how your restoration is going. 06/15/2012 @ 08:22 [ref: 59991] |
| Forrest Barton Woodland, CA | Andrew Smith or anyone else you mention having some parts. Specifically a gear leg are those still around? 01/30/2011 @ 21:00 [ref: 35901] |
| Col. Ray Kleber USAF (Ret) Goldsboro, NC 27534, NC | I was a member of the 4th Liaison Flight stationed at Lawson Field, Ft. Benning GA in the Fall of 1949. The unit consisted of 4 Officers and 11 Airmen. We later moved to Pope AFB, NC in 1950 in preparation to be part of "Project Greenhouse" Atomic test conducted at the Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands. We routinely flew the entire atoll consisting of 26 islands on patrol for submarine activity.
We flew members of the Atomic Energy Commission to the various islands where the atomic bombs were to be tested. The island of Ingebe, Runit were the main shot bases. I flew some 500 hours from 1950 through 1951. Winds at times permitted us to hover or back up in flight. Landings used about 75' and take offs 150' under normal conditions. Would like to have one today. It was an enjoyable plane to fly. Taking air samples of the atomic was nothing I would recommend, but the Air Force and the scientists had a lot to learn in those early days. Not many of us are alive today! I can be reached at 919-778-4211 for anyone interested. We also had some L-5's but the L-13A outshone them 10 fold. 11/11/2010 @ 18:35 [ref: 33283] |
| Andrew Smith Bellows Falls, VT | I have 2 main landing gear legs and 2 side window frames for an L-13.
They are used, and very restorable. I can not store these any longer and will sell as a lot at a very reasonable price. Don't wait to contact me - save these rare parts! 11/01/2009 @ 06:35 [ref: 25242] |
| Pieter Prall boonton,nj, NJ | From: Pieter Prall , Boonton, NJ.
I now own N2544B the L-13 that Ed Frisbee converted to R-985 and Mr. nial Castle at one point owned. I spoke with Mr. Castle a year or so ago and he told me alot about the craft. I bought it from a fellow in Alaska and had it trucked down. It is in need of rebuild and I am purchasing needed parts for it now. I will hopefully get to working on it this summer. 6/16/08 06/18/2008 @ 07:54 [ref: 21544] |
| MIke Harrold Murrieta, CA | I photographed an L-13 in San Antonio, TX, on 9/1/58, showing N5396N. I was wondering if anybody knows what happened to it. 11/20/2007 @ 14:57 [ref: 18605] |
| Pieter Prall Boonton, NJ | I recently purchased the Convair L-13 N2544B. This is the one that Mr. Nial Castle mentions was converted to a 450hp. P&W R985 in his notes on this page. I bought it from a retired Alaska Game Warden from Palmer, Alaska. He trucked it to New Jersey (where I live)and I plan to get it flying again within the next year or so.
Pieter 10/09/2005 @ 00:26 [ref: 11433] |
| Nial Castle San Diego, CA | I owned two of these L-13 aircraft and loved them both. One had a single tank and one had double tanks. The tailwheel was converted to AT-6 tailwheel and the main gears had been replaced with stronger and longer gear. My fri3end converted one to 450 hp and strengthed the wings. Its number is (was?) 44Bravo. I also had a set of pontoons for work in Alaska. I used mine in Aerial Photography. Both had Aeromatic props as the original props were wooden and electric. I paid $5,00o for the two. One had only a 100hours on it. 1957 I sold them for $10,000.00. I am 84 but wish I had one today. 10 gals an hour fuel. they flew fine at 15,000 and I could have gone to 20 with no trouble. I have owned Howards, anc a Beech 18 but these two airplanes are my favorite for fun in the sun. And Damm practical for anything. 12/05/2004 @ 15:17 [ref: 8788] |
| Nial Castle San Diego, CA | I owned two of these L-13 aircraft and loved them both. One had a single tank and one had double tanks. The tailwheel was converted to AT-6 tailwheel and the main gears had been replaced with stronger and longer gear. My fri3end converted one to 450 hp and strengthed the wings. Its number is (was?) 44Bravo. I also had a set of pontoons for work in Alaska. I used mine in Aerial Photography. Both had Aeromatic props as the original props were wooden and electric. I paid $5,00o for the two. One had only a 100hours on it. 1957 I sold them for $10,000.00. I am 84 but wish I had one today. 10 gals an hour fuel. they flew fine at 15,000 and I could have gone to 20 with no trouble. I have owned Howards, anc a Beech 18 but these two airplanes are my favorite for fun in the sun. And Damm practical for anything. 12/05/2004 @ 15:17 [ref: 8787] |
| Gary Lee Fort Shaw, MT | I have just purchased 47-409 a L-13B. I will upload pictures as the project continues.Any information and location of nos parts or any parts I would appreciate knowing about.glee@3rivers.net or 406.264.5236 04/25/2002 @ 01:05 [ref: 4793] |
Recent photos uploaded by our visitors
