L-3 serial numbers

[Dudley]

Is anyone aware of a reliable source for the actual serial numbers of the Army bought Defender, Chief and Champ style L-3 through the J Model?

Dudley

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dudley,
I was trying to find a N number based on the serial number of one of my 65TC's. It doesn't look like that information was organized when the airplanes were built. You might try Maxwell to see if the military kept any information.
Paul

[Dudley]

Thanks Paul,
That's a good idea. I was able to pull up the following information which has not been verified. If anyone can correct any of this with hard information your comments will be appreciated. The serial #'s for the four original YO-58's (L-3's) are available on A-728. Of the L-3C's one source has the lowest AAC serial # at 42-60310 and the highest at 43-1501. For the L-3D (65-TAF) one source indicates 11 aircraft were procured. Of the L-3E (65-TAC) 12 aircraft are indicated. The L-3F in Super Chief style (65-CA) one source shows 19 aircraft and it's close relative the L-3G (65-LB) at 4 aircraft. The L-3J goes back to the wide bodied Defender (65-TC) and only one aircraft is indicated of that designation.

Those of you who who have not loaned out your copy of US MILITARY AIRCRAFT DESIGNATIONS AND SERIALS SINCE 1909 by John M. Andrade may want to chime in here with assistance.

Thanks for any help.

Dudley

[L3CFI]

Dudley,

My L-3C was produced in 1942 and has a service ID number of 43-1528.

[Dudley]

L3CFI,

Thanks for the info. Assuming your L-3C pedigree is correct that would indicate that the numbers I found need to be modified. From anything in your paperwork are you able to understand why why your 1942 build has a '43 service ID number? Do any other L-3 folks care to chime in on this with your build date/service number info?

I saw a picture of that good looking L-3 on the face book page. Very nice.

Dudley

[Aerco]

L3CFI,

Do any other L-3 folks care to chime in on this with your build date/service number info?


Dudley

Mine is : 42-36178 , an L3B


Peter

[Dudley]

Thanks Peter,

Can you also supply us with a build date?

Dudley

[Aerco]

Thanks Peter,

Can you also supply us with a build date?

Dudley

That would be 5-2-1942.