Piper J-3 Cub
Piper Aircraft · United States · first flew 1938 · light aircraft
The Piper J-3 Cub is a simple, fabric-covered tandem two-seat taildragger that became the archetype of the affordable light aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.83 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Classic taildragger
- Strut-braced high wing
- Tandem two-seat
Look for the bright yellow fabric finish, strut-braced high wing and classic tailwheel stance. The tandem cockpit and small Continental engine give it an unmistakably period silhouette.
Specifications
- The Piper J-3 Cub has a length of 6.83 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.74 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 137 km/h (85 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 (2 tandem seats).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Produced from 1938, the Cub was built in huge numbers and trained a generation of pilots, including thousands of wartime aviators in its L-4 military form. Nearly 20,000 were made, cementing its place as an aviation icon.
Variants
The basic J-3 spawned the L-4 Grasshopper liaison aircraft and influenced later Piper designs such as the PA-11 and the more powerful Super Cub. Many survive with upgraded engines under restoration and STC programmes.
Where you'll see it
In the UK preserved Cubs are cherished on the vintage and grass-strip scene, flying from clubs and appearing at fly-ins and airshows. Their gentle handling makes them favourites for tailwheel conversion training.
Related aircraft
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