Boeing L-15 Scout
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The Boeing L-15 Scout or YL-15 was a small,
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built by
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in small numbers after
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. It was a short take-off and landing (
STOL A short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft is a fixed-wing aircraft that can takeoff/land on short runways. Many STOL-designed aircraft can operate on airstrips with harsh conditions (such as high altitude or ice). STOL aircraft, including tho ...
) aircraft powered by a 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
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for testing, then were transferred to the
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in
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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 , it was rated to be towed by another aircraft at speeds up to .


Surviving aircraft

* 47-432 – YL-15 airworthy with Keith N. Brunquist of
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.


Operators

; *
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*
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Specifications (XL-15)


See also


References


Notes


Bibliography

*Bowers, Peter M. ''Boeing Aircraft since 1916''. London: Putnam, Third edition 1989. .


External links


'' "Grasshopper's Eyes Widen" '', March 1947, Popular Science
article with explanation of unique features of L-15A
'' "Eye For Ground Forces Fly As Low As 50 mph" '', March 1947, Popular Mechanics
good photo of rear observer's unique position
'' "XL-15 Folds Up For A Tow" '', February 1948, Popular Science
middle of page

bottom of page shows XL-15A on floats, with specification when operated as float plane
'' "New Eyes For The Army Ground Forces" '', October 1947, Popular Science
US Army recruiting ad featuring L-15A
'' "EAA video: Boeing YL-15 – Defying Physics" ''
EAA YouTube Published Oct 20, 2017 {{USAF liaison aircraft L-15 Scout 1940s United States military reconnaissance aircraft Single-engined tractor aircraft High-wing aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1947 Twin-tail aircraft