PIPER J-3 CUB IN US SERVICE

The Piper L4 (Piper Cub) is an American light transport and observation aircraft in the high wing configuration, with a mixed structure with a fixed landing gear and classic tail from the Second World War. The roots of the L4 go back to the civilian prototype called E-2, which first took to the air in September 1930, and which was mass-produced in the 1930s and received numerous development versions (including J-2, J-3 or J-5). In 1941, the J-3 version was adapted to the USAF's needs and designated the O-59, and eventually the L4. Several development versions were created, the first of which is the L4A, better adapted to the observation of the battlefield by increasing the cabin glazing. A lot of engines were used as the drive, including Continental A-65-8. The machine was widely used by the US Army in Europe as the basic liaison and battlefield observation aircraft. It was used both in North Africa and later in Italy and Normandy. The machine was nicknamed Grasshopper. About 20,000 were made of all versions of this plane! Specifications: length: 6.83m, wingspan: 10.74m, height: 2.03m, maximum speed: 140km / h, climb speed: 2.3m / s, practical ceiling: 3500m, maximum range: 354km.