The Aeronca L is 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]
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
A single LC, [NC16289], was fitted with floats to become the LCS, carrying a load of 659 lb (299 kg) for 450 mi (391 nmi; 724 km) at 100 mph (87 kn; 161 km/h).
LD
Fitted with a 90 hp (67 kW) Lambert R-266 5-cyl. radial engine
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