Piper J-3 Cub

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
"Piper Cub" redirects here. For the earlier Taylor design, see Taylor Cub.

J-3 Cub
A former-military L-4H Grasshopper in 1990
Role Trainer/light aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Piper Aircraft
Designer C. G. Taylor
Walter Jamouneau
First flight 1938
Produced 1938–1947
Number built 19,888 (US built)[1]
150 (Canadian-built)[1]
253 TG-8 gliders[1]
Developed from Taylor Cub
Taylor J-2
Variants
PA-11 Cub Special
PA-15 Vagabond
PA-16 Clipper
PA-18 Super Cub

The Piper J-3 Cub is an American

automobile
.

The aircraft is a

piston engine driving a fixed-pitch propeller. Its fuselage is a welded steel frame covered in fabric, seating two people in tandem
.

The Cub was designed as a trainer. It had great popularity in this role and as a

bush aircraft
.

The aircraft's standard chrome yellow paint came to be known as "Cub Yellow" or "Lock Haven Yellow".[2]

Design and development

Piper J-3 Cub painted Cub Yellow

The

Taylor E-2 Cub first appeared in 1930, built by Taylor Aircraft in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by William T. Piper, a Bradford industrialist and investor, the affordable E-2 was meant to encourage greater interest in aviation. Later in 1930, the company went bankrupt, with Piper buying the assets, but keeping founder C. Gilbert Taylor on as president. In 1936, an earlier Cub was altered by employee Walter Jamouneau to become the J-2 while Taylor was on sick leave. Some believed the "J" stood for Jamouneau, while aviation historian Peter Bowers concluded the letter simply followed the E, F, G and H models, with the letter "I" skipped because it could be mistaken for the numeral "1".[3][4]
When he saw the redesign, Taylor was so incensed that he fired Jamouneau. Piper, however, had encouraged Jamouneau's changes and hired him back. Piper then bought Taylor's share in the company, paying him $250 per month for three years. [5]

Although sales were initially slow, about 1,200 J-2s were produced before a fire in the Piper factory, a former silk mill in Bradford, Pennsylvania, ended its production in 1938. After Piper moved his company from Bradford to Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, the J-3, which featured further changes by Jamouneau, replaced the J-2. The changes integrated the vertical fin of the tail into the rear fuselage structure and covered it simultaneously with each of the fuselage's sides, changed the rearmost side window's shape to a smoothly curved half-oval outline and placed a steerable tailwheel at the rear end of the J-2's leaf spring-style tailskid, linked for its steering function to the lower end of the rudder with springs and lightweight chains to either end of a double-ended rudder control horn. Powered by a 40 hp (30 kW) engine, in 1938, it sold for just over $1,000.[6]

Several alternative air-cooled engines, typically

Franklin 4AC,[8] and J3L with the Lycoming O-145.[9] Very few examples, designated J3P, were equipped with Lenape Papoose 3-cylinder radial engines.[10]

The outbreak of hostilities in Europe in 1939, along with the growing realization that the United States might soon be drawn into World War II, resulted in the formation of the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). The Piper J-3 Cub became the primary trainer aircraft of the CPTP and played an integral role in its success, achieving legendary status. About 75% of all new pilots in the CPTP (from a total of 435,165 graduates) were trained in Cubs. By war's end, 80% of all United States military pilots had received their initial flight training in Piper Cubs.[11]

The need for new pilots created an insatiable appetite for the Cub. In 1940, the year before the United States entered the war, 3,016 Cubs had been built. Wartime demands soon increased that production rate to one Cub being built every 20 minutes.[11]

1944 Piper Cub J-3C-100 HB-OUE , s/ 12315, rare Rolls-Royce 100hp engine

Flitfire

Main article: Piper Flitfire
Flitfire, used in RAF Benevolent Fund and war bond efforts

Prior to the United States entering World War II, J-3s were part of a fund-raising program to support the United Kingdom. Billed as a Flitfire, a Piper Cub J3 bearing Royal Air Force insignia was donated by W. T. Piper and Franklin Motors to the

La Guardia Field for a dedication and fundraising event which included Royal Navy officers from the battleship HMS Malaya, in New York for repairs, as honored guests.[12][13] At least three of the original Flitfires have been restored to their original silver-doped finish.[14]

Operational history

World War II service

J-3 aircraft with CAP markings on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
An L-4A painted and marked to represent an aircraft that flew in support of the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942
A Piper Cub of the 1st Marine Division's improvised air force snags a message from a patrol on New Britain's north coast.

Minutes before the 1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor, Machinist Mate 2nd Class Marcus F. Poston, a student pilot, was on a solo flight through K-T Flying Service, piloting a Piper Cub J-3 over the valley of Oahu. Poston was flying just as the Japanese planes began appearing over the island and was subsequently shot down. Poston managed to bail out and parachute to safety. The Piper J-3 Cub was the first American plane to be shot down in World War II.

The Piper Cub quickly became a familiar sight.

George Marshall
, flying around European battlefields in Piper Cubs.

Civilian-owned Cubs joined the war effort as part of the newly formed Civil Air Patrol, patrolling the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast in a constant search for German U-boats and survivors of U-boat attacks.[15][self-published source?][16][17]

Piper developed a military variant ("All we had to do," Bill Jr. is quoted as saying, "was paint the Cub olive drab to produce a military airplane"),

Plexiglas greenhouse skylight and rear windows for improved visibility, much like the Taylorcraft L-2 and Aeronca L-3 also in use with the US armed forces. It had accommodations for a single passenger in addition to the pilot. When carrying only the pilot, the L-4 had a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h), a cruise speed of 75 mph (121 km/h), a service ceiling of 12,000 ft (3,658 m), a stall speed of 38 mph (61 km/h), an endurance of three hours,[18] and a range of 225 mi (362 km).[19] Some 5,413 L-4s were produced for U.S. forces, including 250 built for the U.S. Navy under contract as the NE-1 and NE-2.[20][21]

All L-4 models, as well as similar, tandem-cockpit accommodation aircraft from

Charles "Bazooka Charlie" Carpenter, whose six bazooka rocket launchers were credited with eliminating six enemy tanks and several armored cars during its wartime service,[22][23] especially during the Battle of Arracourt. L-4s could also be operated from ships, using the Brodie landing system
.

After the war, many L-4s were sold as surplus, but a considerable number were retained in service.[24] L-4s sold as surplus in the U.S. were redesignated as J-3s, but often retained their wartime glazing and paint.[25]

Postwar

A 1946-built J3C-65 in 2011

An icon of the era and of American general aviation, the J-3 Cub has long been loved by pilots and nonpilots alike, with thousands still in use. Piper sold 19,073 J-3s between 1938 and 1947, the majority of them L-4s and other military variants. After the war, thousands of Grasshoppers were civilian-registered under the designation J-3. Sixty-five pre-war Taylor and Piper Cubs were assembled from parts in Canada (by Cub Aircraft Corporation Ltd.). After the war, 130 J-3C-65 models were manufactured in Hamilton, Ontario. Sixteen L-4B models, (known as the Prospector), were later manufactured. The last J-3 model was assembled from parts at Leavens Bros. Toronto in 1952.[26] J-3 Cubs were also assembled in Denmark[27] and Argentina and by a licensee in Oklahoma.[28]

In the late 1940s, the J-3 was replaced by the

Piper PA-11 Cub Special (1,500 produced), the first Piper Cub version to have a fully enclosed cowling for its powerplant and then the Piper PA-18 Super Cub
, which Piper produced until 1981 when it sold the rights to WTA Inc. In all, Piper produced 2,650 Super Cubs. The Super Cub had a 150 hp (110 kW) engine which increased its top speed to 130 mph (210 km/h). Its range was 460 miles (740 km).

1944 Piper Cub J-3C-100 HB-OUE with rare Rolls-Royce 100hp engine. Flugplatz Fricktal Schupfart aerodrome LSZI, Switzerland.

Korean War service

On 26 June 1950, one day after the Korean War broke out, the Republic of Korea Air Force flew L-4s to Dongducheon to support the ROK 7th Infantry Division against North Korean military by dropping two bombs from an observer in the rear seat. A total of 70 bombs were dropped until the following day, then aircraft were switched back to reconnaissance mission as bombs were depleted. South Korea lost 25 L-4s throughout the Korean War.[29]

The United States Army also operated small numbers of L-4s, but were replaced by L-16 during the war.[29] The L-4 was in service in many of the same roles it had performed during World War II, such as artillery spotting, forward air control and reconnaissance.[24] Some L-4s were fitted with a high-back canopy to carry a single stretcher for medical evacuation of wounded soldiers.[24]

Modern production

Modernized and up-engined versions are produced by Cub Crafters of Washington and by American Legend Aircraft in Texas, as the Cub continues to be sought after by bush pilots for its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, as well as by recreational pilots for its nostalgia appeal. The new aircraft are actually modeled on the PA-11, though the Legend company does sell an open-cowl version with the cylinder heads exposed, like the J-3 Cub. An electrical system is standard from both manufacturers.[citation needed]

A Piper J3C-65 front view showing "eyebrow" air scoops on its engine cylinders

The J-3 is distinguished from its successors by having a cowl that exposes its engine's cylinder heads — the exposed cylinders of any J-3's engine were usually fitted with sheet metal "eyebrow" air scoops to direct air over the cylinder's fins for more effective engine cooling in flight. Very few other examples exist of "flat" aircraft engine installations (as opposed to radial engines) in which the cylinder heads are exposed. From the PA-11 on through the present Super Cub models, the cowling surrounds the cylinder heads.[30]

A curiosity of the J-3 is that when it is flown solo, the lone pilot normally occupies the rear seat for proper balance, to balance the fuel tank located at the firewall. Starting with the PA-11, as well as some L-4s, fuel was carried in wing tanks, allowing the pilot to fly solo from the front seat.[30]

A "clipped-wing" Piper J3C-65 of O'Briens Flying Circus Aerobatic Stunt Team lands on a moving trailer at Cotswold Airport
J3-65 on floats

Variants

Civil

J-3
Equipped with a
Continental A-40, A-40-2, or A-40-3 engine of 37 hp (28 kW), or A-40-4 engine of 40 hp (30 kW)[31]
J3C-40
Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a Continental A-40-4 or A-40-5 of 40 hp (30 kW)[7]
J3C-50
Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a Continental A-50-1 or A-50-2 to -9 (inclusive) of 50 hp (37 kW)[7]
J3C-50S
Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a Continental A-50-1 or A-50-2 to -9 (inclusive) of 50 hp (37 kW), equipped with optional float kit[7]
J3C-65
Certified 6 July 1939 and equipped with a Continental A-65-1 or A-65-3, 6, 7, 8, 8F, 9 or 14 of 65 hp (48 kW) or an A-65-14, Continental A-75-8, A-75-8-9 or A-75-12 of 75 hp (56 kW) or Continental C-85-8 or C-85-12 of 85 hp (63 kW) or Continental C-90-8F of 90 hp (67 kW)[7]
J3C-65S
Certified 27 May 1940 and equipped with a Continental A-65-1 or A-65-3, 6, 7, 8, 8F, 9 or 14 of 65 hp (48 kW) or an A-65-14, Continental A-75-8, A-75-8-9 or A-75-12 of 75 hp (56 kW) or Continental C-85-8 or C-85-12 of 85 hp (63 kW) or Continental C-90-8F of 90 hp (67 kW), equipped with optional float kit[7]
J3F-50
Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a
Franklin 4AC-150 Series 50 of 50 hp (37 kW)[8]
J3F-50S
Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-150 Series 50 of 50 hp (37 kW), equipped with optional float kit[8]
J3F-60
Certified 13 April 1940 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-150 Series A of 65 hp (48 kW) or a Franklin 4AC-171 of 60 hp (45 kW)[8]
J3F-60S
Certified 31 May 1940 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-150 Series A of 65 hp (48 kW) or a Franklin 4AC-171 of 60 hp (45 kW), equipped with optional float kit[8]
J3F-65
Certified 7 August 1940 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-176-B2 or a Franklin 4AC-176-BA2 of 65 hp (48 kW)[8]
J3F-65S
Certified 4 January 1943 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-176-B2 or a Franklin 4AC-176-BA2 of 65 hp (48 kW), equipped with optional float kit[8]
J3L
Certified 17 September 1938 and equipped with a Lycoming O-145-A1 of 50 hp (37 kW) or a Lycoming O-145-A2 or A3 of 55 hp (41 kW)[9]
J3L-S
Certified 2 May 1939 and equipped with a Lycoming O-145-A1 of 50 hp (37 kW) or a Lycoming O-145-A2 or A3 of 55 hp (41 kW), equipped with optional float kit[9]
J3L-65
Certified 27 May 1940 and equipped with a Lycoming O-145-B1, B2, or B3 of 65 hp (48 kW)[9]
J3L-65S
Certified 27 May 1940 and equipped with a Lycoming O-145-B1, B2, or B3 of 65 hp (48 kW), equipped with optional float kit[9]
Piper J3P NX20280 with Lenape engine at Oshkosh July 2012
J3P
Variant powered by a 50 hp (37 kW) Lenape LM-3-50 or Lenape AR-3-160 three-cylinder radial engine[1][10]
J-3R
Variant with slotted flaps powered by a 65 hp (48 kW) Lenape LM-3-65 engine.[1]
J-3X
1944 variant with cantilever wing powered by a 65 hp (48 kW)
Continental A-65-8 engine.[1]
L-4B Prospector
Canadian manufactured model, with removable rear seat and control, additional capacity, optional extra fuel tank and painted in a PA-12 color scheme.[32]
Cammandre 1
A French conversion of J-3 Cub/L-4 aircraft[33]
Poullin J.5A
Five L-4 Cubs converted by Jean Poullin for specialist tasks.[34]
Poullin J.5B
A single L-4 Cub converted by Jean Poullin for specialist tasks[34]
Wagner Twin Cub
A twin fuselage conversion of the J-3[35]

Military

YO-59
Four US Army Air Corps test and evaluation J3C-65[36]
O-59
Production version for the USAAC; 140 built later redesignated L-4[36]
O-59A
Improved version, powered by a 65-hp (48-kW) Continental O-170-3 piston engine; 948 built, later redesignated L-4A[36]
L-4
Redesignated YO-59 and O-59[37]
L-4A
Redesignated O-59A.[37]
L-4B
As per L-4A, but without radio equipment; 980 built[37]
L-4C
Eight impressed J3L-65s, first two originally designated UC-83A[37]
Piper TG-8
L-4D
Five impressed J3F-65s[37]
L-4H
As per L-4B but with improved equipment and fixed-pitch propeller, 1801 built[37]
L-4J
L-4H with controllable-pitch propeller, 1680 built[37]
UC-83A
Two impressed J3L-65s, later redesignated L-4C[38]
Piper NE-1
TG-8
Three-seat training glider variant, 250 built[39]
LNP
United States Navy designation for three TG-8s received.[39]
NE-1
United States Navy designation for dual-control version of J3C-65, 230 built[40]
NE-2
As per NE-1 with minor equipment changes, 20 built[40]

Operators

Civil

AirVenture
2012

The aircraft has been popular with flying schools — especially from the pre-World War II existence of the Civilian Pilot Training Program using them in the United States — and remains so with private individuals, into the 21st century.

Military

Indonesian Air Force L-4J at Dirgantara Mandala Museum
 Dutch East Indies
 Indonesia
 Republic of Korea
  • Republic of Korea Air Force: Received 10 L-4s from the Army to create the Air Force in 1 October 1949. 8 L-4s were operational at the beginning of the Korean War. Lost 25 vehicles during the war.[29][43]
 Paraguay
  • Military of Paraguay - L-4[44]
 Thailand
 United Kingdom
 United States

Specifications (J3C-65 Cub)

3-view line drawing of the Piper J3C Cub
3-view line drawing of the Piper J3C Cub
3-view line drawing of the Piper L-4B Grasshopper
3-view line drawing of the Piper L-4B Grasshopper

Data from The Piper Cub Story[47]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one pilot
  • Capacity: one passenger
    • Useful load: 455 lb (205 kg)
  • Length: 22 ft 5 in (6.83 m)
  • Wingspan: 35 ft 3 in (10.74 m)
  • Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
  • Wing area: 178.5 sq ft (16.58 m2)
  • Empty weight: 765 lb (345 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,220 lb (550 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 ×
    horizontally opposed four cylinder, 65 hp (48 kW) at 2,350 rpm

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Peperell 1987, pp. 22–34
  2. ^ Lord, Magnus (April 2008). "The story of Cub Yellow". Retrieved September 15, 2008.
  3. ^ "Piper J-3". Aircraft of the Smithsonian. Archived from the original on March 3, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2006.
  4. ^ Peter M. Bowers, Piper Cubs (Tab Books 1993)
  5. ^ a b Spence, Charles (September 23, 1997). "They're not all Piper Cubs". Aviation History. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  6. ^ Piper J-3 Cub Film Series (TM Technologies, footage from 1937–1948 shows step-by-step construction. 110 minutes.)
  7. ^ a b c d e f Federal Aviation Administration (August 2006). "AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATION NO. A-691" (PDF). Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Federal Aviation Administration (August 2006). "AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATION NO. A-692" (PDF). Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  9. ^ a b c d e Federal Aviation Administration (August 2006). "AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATION A-698" (PDF). Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  10. ^ a b Federal Aviation Administration (October 1942). "Approved Type Certificate 695" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2010.
  11. ^ a b c Guillemette, Roger. "The Piper Cub". US Centennial of Flight Commission. Archived from the original on November 21, 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2006.
  12. ^ "Shindig at N.Y. Airport Opens Fund Drive for R.A.F". Life. May 12, 1941. p. 36.
  13. ^ "Alamo Liaison Squadron". Archived from the original on November 10, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2010.
  14. ^ "Museum Guide". North Carolina Aviation Museum. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  15. ISBN 978-1-257-90689-5 (2011), p. 374[self-published source
    ]
  16. ^ "Civil Air Patrol". Air Force Link. November 27, 2006. Archived from the original on March 15, 2008.
  17. ISSN 1554-5296
    . Retrieved October 3, 2008.
  18. ^ a b Fountain, Paul, The Maytag Messerschmitts, Flying Magazine, March 1945, p. 90: With one pilot aboard, the L-4 had a maximum endurance of three hours' flight time (no reserve) at a reduced cruising speed of 65 mph.
  19. ISBN 978-1-85170-199-5
    (1989), p. 253
  20. ISBN 978-1-57607-131-1
    (1999), p. 270
  21. ISBN 978-1-58663-762-0
    (2002), p. 431
  22. ^ What's New in Aviation: Piper Cub Tank Buster, Popular Science, Vol. 146 No. 2 (February 1945) p. 84
  23. ISBN 978-0-87338-980-8
    (2009), pp. 23–24, 293–294
  24. ^
    ISBN 978-0-8160-6037-5
    (2006), p. 502
  25. ^ Nicholas Aircraft Sales, Flying Magazine, April 1946, Vol. 38, No. 4, ISSN 0015-4806, p. 106
  26. ^ Price, Cameron. "Cub Aircraft History". Toronto Aviation History. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  27. ^ Nikolajsen, Ole. "Cub Aircraft Co. Ltd. i Lundtofte 1937 - 1940" (PDF). Ole-Nikolajsen.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 4, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  28. ^ Ford, Daniel. "Cub Production, 1931-2019". The Piper Cub Forum. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  29. ^
    ISBN 979-11-5598-079-8. Archived from the original
    (PDF) on September 20, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  30. ^ a b Clark, Anders. (21 November 2014) "Piper J-3 Cub: The World's Most Iconic Airplane". Disciples of Flight. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  31. ^ Federal Aviation Administration (October 1939). "Approved Type Certificate 660" (PDF). Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  32. ^ Price, Cameron. "Cub Aircraft History". Toronto Aviation History. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  33. ^ "Cammandre 1". Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  34. ^
    ISBN 2-85120-350-9
    .
  35. ^ "TwinNavion.com". www.twinnavion.com. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  36. ^ a b c Andrade 1979, p. 140
  37. ^ a b c d e f g Andrade 1979, p. 129
  38. ^ Andrade 1979, p. 81
  39. ^ a b Andrade 1979, p. 170
  40. ^ a b Andrade 1979, p. 201
  41. ^ Heyman, Jos (November 2005). "Indonesian aviation 1945-1950" (PDF). adf-serials.com. p. 18. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 14, 2005.
  42. ^ Heyman (2005), pp. 19, 22.
  43. ^ a b c Triggs, James M.: The Piper Cub Story, pages 13–19. The Sports Car Press, 1963. SBN 87112-006-2
  44. ISBN 0-668-04348-2
  45. ^ World Air Forces – Historical Listings Thailand (THL), archived from the original on January 25, 2012, retrieved August 30, 2012
  46. ^ Andrade 1979, p. 239
  47. ^ Triggs, James M.: The Piper Cub Story, page 31. The Sports Car Press, 1963. SBN 87112-006-2

Bibliography

External links

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