The Stinson L-13 (sometimes known as the Grasshopper, like other aircraft of its type) was a US military utility aircraft first flown in 1945. Development The aircraft design was developed at Stinson in response to a request from the United States Army Air Force for a light observation/liaison unit. At that time Stinson was a subsidiary of Consolidated Vultee. The first two prototypes were constructed at the Stinson facility in Michigan. In 1948 the Convair board were restructuring their various units, and negotiated to sell the Stinson subsidiary to Piper Aircraft. The L-13 project was specifically not included in the assets of the sale, however, and Convair continued its production in-house; ultimately building 300 units as the Convair L-13. It was a conventional high-wing tailwheel monoplane used for observation, liaison, and air ambulance duties, which typically require low landing speeds and short landing rolls. It was fitted with oversize viewing areas to increase its reconnaissance role. Following their military service and resale into the private market, some units were converted for civil bush flying use, fitting a radial engine by Acme Aircraft Company as the Centaur, while others underwent similar conversions by Caribbean Traders Inc, as the Husky. Variants XL-13 Prototype aircraft, powered by 245 hp (183 kW) Franklin O-425-6 engine. Two built. L-13A Production aircraft, powered by 250 hp (187 kW) O-425-9 engine. 300 built. L-13B Conversion of L-13A for cold weather operation, capable of operating from wheels, skis or floats. 28 converted. Acme Centaur 101 Conversion of L-13 as six-seat bush aircraft. Powered by 300 hp (224 kW) Lycoming R-680-E3. Acme Centaur 102 Similar to Acme Centaur 101, with a 300hp Jacobs R-755-A2 radial. Caribbean Traders Husky I Civil conversion of L-13A. Retained O-425 engine. Caribbean Traders Husky II Civil conversion of L-13A. Powered by 300 hp R-680-13 engine on modified engine mount capable of swinging out for easy maintenance. Caribbean Traders Husky III Similar to Husky II, but powered by 450 hp (338 kW) Wright R-975-7 radial engine. Servicair Loadmaster Reconstruction of L-13A with 450 hp Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 radial engine and rearranged four-seat cabin. Operators United States Air Force United States Army received 43 ex-Air Force L-13As following the outbreak of the Korean War, serving in the Continental United States to free up aircraft for active service overseas. Surviving aircraft Brazil 47-406 – L-13 on display at the TAM Museum in São Carlos, São Paulo.