CAP-4 Paulistinha
Companhia Aeronáutica Paulista · Brazil · first flew 1935 · light aircraft
The CAP-4 Paulistinha was a Brazilian high-wing light aircraft closely resembling the Piper J-3 Cub, produced domestically for training and liaison roles. It became iconic in Brazilian aviation history as the country's most widely used light aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Brazilian Piper Cub equivalent — high-wing tandem trainer
- Fabric-covered tube-and-longeron construction
- Workhorse of Brazilian civil and military aviation schools
Nearly identical in layout to the Piper Cub: high straight fabric-covered wing, tandem open or enclosed cockpits, fixed taildragger undercarriage, and a flat-four piston engine in a simple cowling. Brazilian registration markings and 'Paulistinha' branding are the main distinguishers.
Specifications
- The CAP-4 Paulistinha has a length of 6.9 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.74 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 1 passenger.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown around 1935 and developed through the 1940s, the Paulistinha was produced by Companhia Aeronáutica Paulista in São Paulo. Hundreds were built and used by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) for primary training and the Força Aérea Brasileira's liaison squadrons through the 1950s.
Variants
Several marks with minor engine and equipment variations were produced. The CAP-4 series spanned variations with Continental and Lycoming engines of different outputs.
Where you'll see it
The Paulistinha was the backbone of Brazilian primary flight training for decades. The FAB operated large numbers alongside Aeroclubs and private owners across Brazil. Surviving examples remain popular as warbird and vintage aircraft.
Related aircraft
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