Aeronca Super Chief
Aeronca Aircraft · United States · first flew 1939 · light aircraft
The Aeronca Super Chief was a refined side-by-side two-seat cabin monoplane of the late 1930s, offering improved performance and comfort over the earlier Aeronca Chief.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Narrow fuselage with fabric covering and wire bracing visible |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High strut-braced wing with round-tipped taper
- Wide side-by-side cabin with oval windows
- Narrow fuselage with fabric covering and wire bracing visible
The Super Chief's wider cabin and taller windshield distinguish it from the narrower Chief and from the tandem-seat Champion; the oval cabin windows and strut-braced high wing identify it against other light monoplanes of the era.
Specifications
- The Aeronca Super Chief has a length of 6.32 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 161 km/h (100 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 1 passenger.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Introduced in 1939, the Super Chief (model 65-TC and variants) received a 65 hp engine and a wider, more refined cabin than the original Chief. It was produced until America's entry into World War II halted civil aircraft production. A small number were acquired for military liaison duties as the L-3.
Variants
Variants differed mainly in engine fit — Continental A-65, Lycoming O-145 or Franklin 4AC — and minor detail changes. The military L-3 Grasshopper designation covered several Aeronca types including the Super Chief-derived aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Popular with flying clubs and private owners across North America in the pre-war period, surviving Super Chiefs remain active at grass-strip fly-ins, appreciated for their gentle handling and simplicity.
Related aircraft
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