North American/Ryan L-17/U-18

This area currently under revision, thanks to MANY contributions!

The NAvion was the first civilian aircraft produced by North American Aviation following massive military contract cancellations at the end of WW II. Over 1,100 were built, with 83 L-17A and 163 L-17B aircraft delivered to the U.S. Air Force (USAF). Although acquired by the USAF, the primary operator of L-17s was the U.S. Army Air Forces. Caught with very few resources at the beginning of the Korean War, the L-17 was pressed into duty in a wide variety of roles, including cargo transport, liaison, “grasshopper” (Forward Air Control or FAC), VIP transport use and even some attempts as a light attack aircraft! L-17s were flown from the aircraft carriers USS Sicily (CVE-118) and USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116), and both Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Gen. Matt Ridgeway had personal L-17s. After the War, most NAvions were relegated to squadron “hack” duties, ROTC flight training, USAF Aero Clubs and finally the Civil Air Patrol.

This is a list of all L-17s with documented Korean War service.

Ryan also submitted a modified L-17, called the Model 72, to compete in the Navy's competition for a replacement primary/basic trainer.

Some number (under research) of L-17's were converted for use as pilotless target drones, designated QL-17s.

Dimensions:
Length: 27’ 3”
Wingspan: 33’ 4”
Height: 8’ 6”

Weights:
Empty: 1945 lbs.
Max T/O: 2950 lbs.

Performance:
Max Speed: 163 MPH
Range: 700 mi.

Powerplant:
Type: 0-460-7B
Output: 185 hp

First Flight: April 1946

Surviving Variants: L-17A/B/C, U-18A/B/C