Taylor Cub

Taylor Aircraft Company · United States · first flew 1930 · light aircraft

The Taylor Cub, designed by C.G. Taylor for Taylor Aircraft Company in 1930, was the direct ancestor of the famous Piper J-3 Cub. It established the high-wing, tandem-seat, fabric-covered formula that would define light aviation for decades.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Direct predecessor to the Piper J-3 Cub with near-identical layout
• Tandem open or side-hinged door enclosed cockpit
• Fabric-covered high wing with jury struts

Almost indistinguishable from the early Piper J-2 Cub; a high-wing tandem two-seater with fabric covering, a small flat-four engine, and very simple construction. Earlier examples lack the distinctive yellow paint scheme associated with later Piper Cubs.

Specifications

• The Taylor Cub has a length of 6.86 m (23 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 10.72 m (35 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 129 km/h (80 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

C.G. Taylor designed the Model E-2 Cub in 1930, with production beginning at Bradford, Pennsylvania. Following financial difficulties, William Piper bought the company and eventually relocated production to Lock Haven, where it evolved into the J-2 and then the iconic J-3 Cub under the Piper name. The Taylor Cub name predates Piper's takeover.

Variants

The Taylor E-2 Cub was the initial version; it evolved into the improved J-2 Cub before Taylor and Piper parted ways. Taylor went on to found Taylorcraft.

Where you'll see it

Operated by private owners across the United States during the 1930s; surviving examples are prized antiques in the general aviation community.

Related aircraft

• Avro 626
• Cessna CG-2
• Cessna CR-2
• Comper Swift

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