The Boeing YL-15 Scout: A Legacy of Aviation Excellence
The Boeing YL-15 Scout stands as a pinnacle of aviation heritage, embodying the innovative spirit of post-World War II aircraft design. With only 12 units ever built, its rarity is unmatched, especially considering that only one, the N4770C, has been restored to its original condition with period-correct details. This aircraft is not merely a post WWII warbird prototype it is a piece of living american history. The level of detail that the owner Keith Brunquist explored in this restoration is unmatched.
Historical Significance and Design
Developed in the late 1940s, the Boeing YL-15 was engineered in response to the U.S. Army’s need for a small, versatile liaison and observation aircraft. Its design was a departure from the conventional, with features like an unusually long wingspan of 40 feet, large flaperons, and a unique fuselage that allowed for exceptional visibility and short takeoff and landing capabilities. This design was geared towards maximizing the aircraft’s efficiency in liaison roles, showcasing Boeing’s commitment to innovation and functionality.
The Journey of N4770C
The YL-15 Scout with registration number N4770C, manufactured in 1949, encapsulates a rich history. After its stint with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Alaska, it found a home with Norm Brunquist, eventually passing down to his son, Keith, who undertook a passionate 13-year restoration project. This aircraft, therefore, is more than just a machine; it represents a familial legacy, intertwining personal memories with aviation history. Today, Keith has fulfilled his mission, bring his fathers prized bird back to its original glory and flown it himself. He is ready to pass the torch so a new owner can carry on the legacy and encourage others to enjoy the rich heritage around American warbirds and the heated competition it takes to win a the race to a contract to sell to the US military.
Restoration and Recognition
The meticulous restoration of the YL-15 Scout culminated in its celebrated unveiling at the Oshkosh AirVenture, where Keith was awarded the coveted Golden Wrench award in 207, the aircraft was was heralded as the Grand Champion for Post WWII Warbirds in 2017, 2019 and 2021 multiple years. This aircraft is a unique shape, it truly stands out, even when it was placed in Boeing Plaza at Airventure. These accolades underscore the aircraft’s exceptional condition and the dedication invested in its revival.
The restoration of this aircraft has been carefully documented by the owner. Images of ever step, digitized blueprints and full military logbooks are available on the AirSpace Auctions auction listing.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The YL-15 Scout, particularly the N4770C, boasts impressive specifications: a Lycoming O-290-7 engine, a cruise speed of 101 MPH, and a stall speed of just 18 MPH, demonstrating its superior design for STOL capabilities. Its meticulous restoration is reflected in every detail, from the factory anodized exterior to the period-correct interior, ensuring that every aspect is authentic and true to its original era.
Auction and Acquisition
As this iconic aircraft approaches the auction block on May 22, 2024, it presents a unique opportunity for collectors and aviation enthusiasts to own a piece of history. The sale includes not only the airworthy YL-15 Scout but also a treasure trove of spare parts and extensive documentation of its restoration journey, providing an unparalleled insight into its storied past.
Closing Thoughts on the YL-15 Scout
The Boeing YL-15 Scout, particularly the N4770C, is not just an aircraft; it’s a symbol of aviation history, a testament to the love and labor invested in preserving the legacy of flight. Its upcoming auction offers a rare chance to steward a piece of this legacy, ensuring that the Scout’s story continues to inspire future generations of aviators and historians alike.
In summary, the Boeing YL-15 Scout represents a unique chapter in the annals of aviation history, characterized by its innovative design, storied heritage, and the meticulous care it has received over the decades. As it prepares to find a new home, its legacy as a museum-quality piece of living history remains undiminished, a testament to the enduring allure and significance of rare warbirds in the aviation community.
This rare bird and equally unique owner have been profiled many times over the years, the most recent being in the streaming show In Plane View on the streaming network Aeroverse. You can watch this episode for free for a limited time at aeroverse.com
Whether you intend to bid or just love aviation, history and want to geek out on a massive portfolio of the information that contributes to this gem of living history, you can have access to the in-depth information on this aircraft at at no cost on Airspaceauctions
