The L-2M is an adaptation of Taylorcraft’s civilian Model D. First tested by the Army in 1941 as the YO-57, the L-2 and two other types of light civilian aircraft were adopted for use as observation and liaison aircraft. The L-2M version incorporated several changes including wing spoilers that greatly improved its short field landing ability. The Grasshopper’s ability to operate from very small, unimproved airfields made them extremely useful for supporting front line troops. In addition to be used as battlefield observers, many of the Grasshoppers served in the Civil Air Patrol. Surplus Grasshoppers proved very popular with civilian owners after World War II with many being sold by the Army in 1944 and 1945 for less than one thousand dollars.
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