L-5 Sentinel

L-5 Sentinel (late 40’s?) - Two place observation / reconnaissance airplane. Vultee-Stinson. Engine: One Lycoming O-435-1 engine -185 hp. Cruise speed: 100 mph. Service ceiling:15,800 ft. Max Range: 420 miles. Metal frame fuselage with wood and metal airfoil structure and fabric covered. Drop rear seat permitted carrying litters or cargo. Originally used only by Army Air Corps served from 1942 - during first part of Korean war. Also called O-62.

No hint has been found to establish when the Kentucky Army National Guard received its first fixed wing aircraft or even what that aircraft was. We know that the first units reconstituted in Kentucky after the total mobilization of World War II received federal recognition on 23 Sep 46. Until research reveals more surrounding these early years, this will be the assumed date of the first fixed wing aircraft in the Kentucky Army National Guard.

Courtesy Army Aviation Magazine, August 16, 1967, Volume 16, Number 8