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L-3 / L-16 Grasshopper

Aeronautical Corporation of America formally changed its name to Aeronca Aircraft Corporation in 1941, and the onset of World War II ushered in a new era for Aeronca aircraft. Production of the TC-65 Defender was increased for use by the U.S. government's new Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) program, created to train new pilots for possible wartime service.

L-3 Grasshopper

The L-3 liaison aircraft, originally designated O-58, is the military version of the Aeronca Model 65 Defender. The high-wing TC-65 Defender was soon pressed into wartime duty as Aeronca's version of the U.S. Army's "liaison" aircraft, designed to operate from small, primitive airfields. Sporting a wider fuselage, larger windows, and military instrumentation, the aircraft was initially designated by the Army as the O-58.

During WWII, the the O-58 performed light observation, utility and liaison duties. It was later redesigned, designated the L-3, and served in many theaters and in many diverse roles. During WW II, Aeronca L-3s joined similar Grasshoppers in artillery fire direction, courier service, front-line liaison and pilot training. The L-3 is often referred to by the liaison aircraft's generic nickname of "Grasshopper."

TG-5

In 1942, Aeronca developed a three-seat training glider, the TG-5, based upon the O-58 design. This aircraft retained the O-58's rear fuselage, wings, and tail while adding a front fuselage in place of the engine. In all, Aeronca built 250 TG-5 gliders for the Army.

L-16 Grasshopper

After war's end, Aeronca resumed production of its three most popular models, the Chief, Super Chief and the Defender, and introduced a new model in 1945, the Model 7AC Champion. Aeronca upgraded and redesigned its prewar designs into the 65-hp Model 7AC Champ. Certified on October 18, 1945, the "Champ" became Aeronca's most popular aircraft.

The Champion was a tandem two-seater trainer that incorporated components (wings, landing gear, tail, and 65-horsepower (48-kilowatt) Continental engine) from the existing Chief line, reducing manufacturing costs. Selling for $2,095, the Champ outsold the Chief by an 8 to 1 margin. Engine upgrades in 1948 and 1949 resulted in the Models 7DC and 7EC. Between 1945 and 1950, Aeronca was producing 50 light aircraft per day and by the time production ended in 1951, the company had sold more than 10,000 Champions.

Like its wartime L-3 parent, the L-16 was a US civilian aircraft in military colors.

Aeronca ceased producing light aircraft in March 1951, selling the rights for the Champion design to the Champion Aircraft Company of Osceola, Wisconsin.