The Stinson O-49 Vigilant 40-3102 in Miami in 1989 (Photo RuthAs (CC BY 3.0))
The Miami-based Fantasy of Flight Museum recently completed the restoration of its Stinson O-49 Vigilant, damaged in 1992 by hurricane Andrew. Only four other aircraft of this type are preserved nowadays, and only one is flying.
The Stinson O-49 was designed after a request from the US Army Air Corps, who was impressed by the presentation of the Fieseler Storch at the 1938 Cleveland National Races and wanted an liaison and observation aircraft with similar abilities. Equipped with full-wingspan leading edge slats, the O-49 can fly at speeds as low as 31 mph and has a landing run shorter than its own length. Just as the Storch, it is capable of flying backwards in a strong headwind.
The FoFM’s aircraft was painted in its wartime USAAC colours. Flight testing should begin shortly.
Source: Aeroplane Monthly
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