Piper Cub Aircraft
Piper Cub Aircraft
Piper Cub Aircraft
Throughout the history of Piper Aircraft Inc., just about 144,000 aircraft have been manufactured. Of that number, just about 35,000 were manufactured under the Piper Cub line, albeit in various models. The very first was simply known as the Piper J2 Cub, which was built betwixt 1937 and 1947. This plane went on to be one of the best sellers of all time in the single engine light aircraft industry.
The Piper Cub aircraft had its first flight in 1938. Prior to that, it was known as the Taylor E2 Cub, manufactured by Taylor Aircraft in 1930. The manufacture of the Taylor E2 Cub was sponsored by William T. Piper to be an affordable aircraft that helped spark interest in aviation. Unfortunately, Taylor Aircraft went bankrupt in 1930, thereafter being bought out by Piper. At that point, Piper changed the name to the Piper J2 Cub after it received some minor alterations. Prior to a fire in 1938 that burned down the Piper factory, about 1200 of this aircraft were made. When the company moved to a new location, the J2 was modified and re-branded as the Piper J3 Cub.
This small light aircraft was originally intended for flight training. However, everybody including Piper himself was surprised at the fact that it became one of the most popular light aircraft in history. With the standard yellow paint as its signature, just under 20,000 of the J3 Cub were built. The Piper Cub aeroplane also etched its place in history because it participated in World War II on behalf of the Civilian Pilot Training Program in the USA. It became even more pop when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt took flight in the J3 Cub for publicity photos during the war.
In terms of specifications, the Piper Cub is 22′ 5″ long and 6′ 8″ high. Its maximum speed is 76 knots while its maximum sail speed is 65 knots. The maximum weight of this aircraft is 1220 pounds, and it can reach a service roof of 11,500 feet. Being a one pilot, one passenger aircraft allowed it to be suitable for flight training and other light aircraft needs. And although this aircraft was so small and light, it was capable to effectively stand out against other light aircraft that were somewhat heavier and carried more room.
The Piper Cub aircraft is one that will forever stand out in the history of general aviation because of its physical features as well as its effectiveness as a light aircraft. The role it played in American history will also be remembered because it enabled the American air force to successfully participate in World War II by being one of their light aircraft of choice.
Category: Piper Cub Aircraft
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