Piper L-4J 'Grasshopper', Duxford 2010 ©Nigel Key
ROLE
Trainer / Light Aircraft.
FIRST FLIGHT
1937.
The Piper J-3 Cub is a high-wing, strut-braced monoplane with a large-area rectangular wing. Its fuselage is a welded steel frame covered in fabric, seating two people in tandem.
The tail fin is integral to the rear fuselage with the rudder linked to the tailwheel to enable rear steering.
The Cub was designed as a trainer and general aircraft, however, due to its performance it was also used in WWII in military roles such as reconnaissance, liaison and ground control, designated as L-4 Grasshopper.
PRODUCTION
The Piper Cub was produced between 1938 and 1947, with over 20,000 built.
ENGINE
Continental 0-170-3, producing 65 hp.
ARMAMENT
None.
As War broke out in Europe in 1939 the Civilian Pilot Training Program was formed and the Piper J-3 Cub became the primary training aircraft.
By the end of the war around 80% of U.S. military pilots had received training in Piper Cubs.
| Crew - 1 |
| Passengers - 1 |
| Length - 22ft 0in (6.71m) |
| Wingspan - 35ft 3in (10.74m) |
| Height - 6ft 8in (2.03m) |
| Empty Weight - 730lb (331kg) |
| Max. Weight - 1,220lb (533kg) |
| Max. Speed - 85 mph (137 km/h) |
| Range - 190 miles (306 km) |
