12/31/2011. Developed from the J-5 in 1942, the J-5C was fitted with a 100 hp Lycoming O-235-C engine. The prototype was c/n 5-1309 registration NX41333. A second prototype c/n 5-1385 registration NX41599 was completed on February 4, 1942. Production commenced on September 10, 1942 with c/n 5-1388 registration NC42000.

In May 1942 two experimental J-5C airplanes were completed. These were the J-5CA, a two-seat ambulance with c/n 5-1386 registration NX41551 which was the prototype HE-1 ambulance, and the J-5CQ observation airplane with c/n 5-1387 registration NX41552 which was later converted into the prototype L-4X (L-14).

The US Navy used the military version of the J-5C as an ambulance, the top decking of the rear fuselage being removable to enable a patient on a stretcher to be carried. A total of 100 of these (BuNos. 30197 to 30296, c/n
5-1400 to 5-1499) was delivered between November 1942 and June 1943 under the designation HE-1, later amended to AE-1 when the letter H became useable only in helicopter designations.