Piper NE-2
Piper Aircraft · USA · first flew 1943 · light aircraft
The NE-2 was an incremental variant of the NE-1, differing in minor equipment specifications while retaining the same Piper J-3 Cub airframe. It served identically to the NE-1 in primary training.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Minor variant of NE-1 Cub trainer
- US Navy primary trainer designation
- High-wing fabric-covered light monoplane
Visually identical to the NE-1 and the civilian J-3 Cub; the high-wing braced monoplane with fabric covering and tiny nose engine is the definitive recognition signature.
Specifications
- The Piper NE-2 has a length of 6.8 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.7 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 138 km/h (86 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Like most Navy designation suffixes of this era, the NE-2 reflected a procurement or specification update rather than a structural redesign. Both NE-1 and NE-2 flew alongside each other at training bases with no operational distinction.
Variants
The NE series was limited to NE-1 and NE-2; the design was ultimately replaced by more capable trainers as the war progressed.
Where you'll see it
Served with US Navy primary flight training units in the continental US; the type was retired promptly after the war as military training contracted.
Related aircraft
- Piper NE-1
- Piper HE
- Piper TG-8
- Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
- AISA HM.1
- Stearman N2S-5 Kaydet
- Turbay T-1 Tucán
- Aeronca Champion
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