US Liaison Aircraft in Action Book Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

Here is an interesting new title from Squadron/Signal Publications - US Liaison Aircraft in Action. Far from being the mainstream combat aircraft that usually dominate the bookshelves, this title looks at the role of the light observation and liaison aircraft that many of us actually learned how to fly.

Prior to World War Two, some purpose-built observation aircraft were developed to replace the 1930s era heavy observation aircraft, such as the Stinson O-49 Vigilant. Others were pressed into service such as the Taylorcraft, Piper, and Aeronca tandem two-seat civilian trainer aircraft. Even Stinson's Voyager was updated and pressed into service as the O-62 Sentinel.

Interestingly enough, the Taylorcraft O-57 (L-2), Aeronca O-58 (L-3), and Piper O-59 (L-4) look very similar to the casual observer, prompting the Army to dub all three aircraft as the 'Grasshopper'. With a few exceptions, all three aircraft flew alike and shared the same engine starting technique - one person holds the brakes while another stands out front and swings the propeller.

While many of these aircraft were used as primary flight trainer aircraft, many more were used in combat theaters to move people and information around the battlefield. In fact, the Navy would modify an LST or two with temporary flight decks to launch their load of Grasshoppers into a new area of operation. These aircraft were used in many of the invasions in the European, North African and Pacific theaters.

While not the glamorous fighter or bomber aircraft, these workhorses operated from areas that no fighter or bomber would dare to land and conducted a variety of missions that helped to win the war.

This is a great reference for the modeler and aviation historian alike.

My sincere thanks to Squadron/Signal Publications for this review sample!