Word: l4
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Dates: during 1940-1949
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...Heavyweights. Most favored grasshopper is called the L4, a military adaptation of the ubiquitous Piper Cub with the cockpit enclosed in plastic. The observer rides backwards to watch for planes attacking from the rear. His other jobs: 1) operating the radio; 2) keeping his weight down to 170 (to shorten take-offs); 3) studying targets and fire with naked eye (the grasshopper jiggles too much for field glasses). The L-4 cruises at 70 m.p.h., is powered by a 65-h.p. engine - far less than artillery pilots would like for a quick take-off and climb. Eventually helicopters may supplant...