Ex 44-17588.

Strange to think out of all the larger and headline grabbing warbirds at AirVenture in 2023, it was this little gem that carried off the Reserve Grand Champion: World War II award.

Built in December 1942 and ex 42-14847 with the USAAC. Out of 3.590 frames built, this is #50. According to an online source it is likely the oldest airworthy L-5. The aircraft was accepted by the USAAC in February 1943 and remained with them until it was stored at Muskogee, Oklahoma in April 1945. Between September 1945 - 1950 the aircraft remained with the RFC for possible civil conversion. The aircraft probably became a civilian in 1965, when the Winnipeg Glider Club operated it as CF-STC. Cancelled in June 1986 and to the US in September 1989 as N255DB. Shipped to The Netherlands in the first half of 2021.

Missing the engine and presumably getting some TLC.

Misidentified in the original caption as an 'Aeronica Chief (L-6 or L-3)'. The L-6 was the Interstate Cadet. Photo from: Imperial War Museums

Real ID is 10412 of the JGSDF

This aircraft is part of the supply that the Italian AF received from the US starting from 1947 as part of the post IIWW reconstruction. Approximately 120 were delivered and coded with IAF military serials MM52xxx. They intensively served for pilot training and also liason duties. In the '50s the majority of L-5 were passed to the Italian Aeroclub. This airframe still wears on the tail the military serial, also if in use by the Italian Aeroclub of Biella. The photo was taken at Biella Gaglianico airfield were the Aeroclub of Biella (now at Biella Cerrione - LILE) was founded in 1927. The photo was made by my father.

Serial 42-98447 on nose.