View source for Piper J-3 Cub

{{Short description|Family of light aircraft}}
{{Redirect|Piper Cub|the earlier Taylor design|Taylor Cub}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2022}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
  |name = J-3 Cub
  |image =File:Piper Cub Góraszka (cropped).jpg
  |caption =A former-military L-4H Grasshopper in 1990
  |type = Trainer/[[light aircraft]]
  |national_origin = United States
  |manufacturer = [[Piper Aircraft]]
  |designer = [[Clarence Gilbert Taylor|C. G. Taylor]] <br/> [[Walter Jamouneau]]
  |first_flight = 1938
  |introduction = 
  |status = 
  |more_users = 
  |produced = 1938–1947
  |number_built = 19,888 (US built)<ref name="Peperell" /><br>150 (Canadian-built)<ref name="Peperell" /><br>253 TG-8 gliders<ref name="Peperell" />
  |developed_from = [[Taylor Cub]]<br>[[Taylor J-2]]
  |variants = [[Piper PA-11|PA-11 Cub Special]] <br/> [[Piper PA-15 Vagabond|PA-15 Vagabond]] <br/> [[Piper PA-16 Clipper|PA-16 Clipper]] <br/> [[Piper PA-18 Super Cub|PA-18 Super Cub]]
}}

The '''Piper J-3 Cub''' is an American [[light aircraft]] that was built between 1938 and 1947 by [[Piper Aircraft]]. The aircraft has a simple, lightweight design which gives it good low-speed handling properties and short-field performance. The Cub is Piper Aircraft's second [[Piper Aircraft#List of Piper aircraft|most-produced model]] after the [[Piper PA-28 Cherokee|PA-28 Cherokee series]] (>32,000 produced) with over 20,000 built in the United States. Its simplicity, affordability and popularity invokes comparisons to the [[Ford Model T]] [[automobile]].

The aircraft is a [[high-wing]], [[strut-braced]] [[monoplane]] with a large-area rectangular wing. It is most often powered by an air-cooled, [[Flat-four engine|flat-4]] [[piston engine]] driving a fixed-pitch propeller. Its [[fuselage]] is a welded steel frame covered in [[aircraft fabric covering|fabric]], seating two people in [[tandem]].

The Cub was designed as a trainer. It had great popularity in this role and as a [[general aviation]] aircraft. Due to its performance, it was well suited for a variety of military uses such as reconnaissance, liaison and ground control. It was produced in large numbers during [[World War II]] as the '''L-4 Grasshopper'''. Many Cubs are still flying today. Cubs are highly prized as [[bush aircraft]].

The aircraft's standard [[chrome yellow]] paint came to be known as "Cub Yellow" or "Lock Haven Yellow".<ref name="MagnusLord">{{cite web |url=http://www.pipercubforum.com/yellow.htm |title=The story of Cub Yellow |access-date=2008-09-15 |last=Lord |first=Magnus |date=April 2008}}</ref>

==Design and development==
[[File:Piperj3c.jpg|thumb|Piper J-3 Cub painted ''Cub Yellow'']]
The [[Taylor E-2|Taylor E-2 Cub]] first appeared in 1930, built by [[Taylorcraft Aircraft|Taylor Aircraft]] in [[Bradford, Pennsylvania]]. Sponsored by [[William T. Piper]], a Bradford industrialist and investor, the affordable E-2 was meant to encourage greater interest in aviation. Later in 1930, the company went bankrupt, with Piper buying the assets, but keeping founder [[Clarence Gilbert Taylor|C. Gilbert Taylor]] on as president. In 1936, an earlier Cub was altered by employee [[Walter Jamouneau]] to become the [[Taylor J-2|J-2]] while Taylor was on sick leave. Some believed the "J" stood for Jamouneau, while aviation historian Peter Bowers concluded the letter simply followed the E, F, G and H models, with the letter "I" skipped because it could be mistaken for the numeral "1".<ref name=smith>{{cite web | url=http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/aero/aircraft/piperj3.htm | title=Piper J-3 | work=Aircraft of the Smithsonian | access-date=2006-04-02 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060303180134/http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/aero/aircraft/piperj3.htm | archive-date=2006-03-03 }}</ref><ref>Peter M. Bowers, ''Piper Cubs'' (Tab Books 1993)</ref> When he saw the redesign, Taylor was so incensed that he fired Jamouneau. Piper, however, had encouraged Jamouneau's changes and hired him back. Piper then bought Taylor's share in the company, paying him $250 per month for three years.
<ref name=spence>{{cite web | url=http://www.historynet.com/theyre-not-all-piper-cubs-november-97-aviation-history-feature.htm | title=They're not all Piper Cubs | work=Aviation History | author=Spence, Charles | date=23 September 1997 | access-date=2011-09-06 }}</ref>

Although sales were initially slow, about 1,200 J-2s were produced before a fire in the Piper factory, a former silk mill in [[Bradford, Pennsylvania#History|Bradford, Pennsylvania]], ended its production in 1938. After Piper moved his company from Bradford to [[Lock Haven, Pennsylvania|Lock Haven]], Pennsylvania, the J-3, which featured further changes by Jamouneau, replaced the J-2.  The changes integrated the vertical fin of the tail into the rear fuselage structure and covered it simultaneously with each of the fuselage's sides, changed the rearmost side window's shape to a smoothly curved half-oval outline and placed a steerable tailwheel at the rear end of the J-2's leaf spring-style tailskid, linked for its steering function to the lower end of the rudder with springs and lightweight chains to either end of a double-ended rudder control horn. Powered by a 40&nbsp;hp (30&nbsp;kW) engine, in 1938, it sold for just over $1,000.<ref>Piper J-3 Cub Film Series (TM Technologies, footage from 1937–1948 shows step-by-step construction. 110 minutes.)</ref>

Several alternative air-cooled engines, typically [[flat-four engine|flat-four]]s, powered the J-3 Cubs, designated '''J3C''' when using the [[Continental O-170|Continental A series]],<ref name="A691" /> '''J3F''' using the [[Franklin 4AC]],<ref name="A692" /> and '''J3L''' with the [[Lycoming O-145]].<ref name="A698" /> Very few examples, designated '''J3P''', were equipped with Lenape ''Papoose'' 3-cylinder [[radial engine]]s.<ref name="ATC695" />

[[File:1944_Piper_Cub_J-3C-100_HB-OUE_with_rare_Rolls-Royce_100hp_engine,_righthand_side.jpg|thumb|1944 Piper Cub J-3C-100 HB-OUE, s/ 12315, rare Rolls-Royce 100hp engine]]
The outbreak of hostilities in Europe in 1939, along with the growing realization that the United States might soon be drawn into [[World War II]], resulted in the formation of the [[Civilian Pilot Training Program]] (CPTP). The Piper J-3 Cub became the primary trainer aircraft of the CPTP and played an integral role in its success, achieving legendary status. About 75% of all new pilots in the CPTP (from a total of 435,165 graduates) were trained in Cubs. By war's end, 80% of all United States military pilots had received their initial flight training in Piper Cubs.<ref name=guill>{{cite web | url=http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/GENERAL_AVIATION/piper/GA6.htm | title=The Piper Cub | author=Guillemette, Roger | work=US Centennial of Flight Commission | access-date=2006-04-02 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121082920/http://centennialofflight.gov/essay/GENERAL_AVIATION/piper/GA6.htm | archive-date=2010-11-21 }}</ref>

The need for new pilots created an insatiable appetite for the Cub. In 1940, the year before the United States entered the war, 3,016 Cubs had been built. Wartime demands soon increased that production rate to one Cub being built every 20 minutes.<ref name=guill />

===Flitfire===
{{Main|Piper Flitfire}}
[[File:Piper J-3 Flitfire.JPG|thumb|Flitfire, used in RAF Benevolent Fund and war bond efforts]]	
Prior to the United States entering World War II, J-3s were part of a fund-raising program to support the United Kingdom. Billed as a ''Flitfire'', a Piper Cub J3 bearing Royal Air Force insignia was donated by W. T. Piper and Franklin Motors to the [[RAF Benevolent Fund]] to be raffled off. Piper distributors nationwide were encouraged to do the same.  On April 29, 1941, all 48 Flitfire aircraft, one for each of the 48 states that made up the country at that time, flew into [[La Guardia Field]] for a dedication and fundraising event which included Royal Navy officers from the battleship [[HMS Malaya|HMS ''Malaya'']], in New York for repairs, as honored guests.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Shindig at N.Y. Airport Opens Fund Drive for R.A.F|magazine=Life|date=12 May 1941|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sUwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36|page=36}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Alamo Liaison Squadron|url= http://www.als-cannonfield.com/Flitfire.htm|access-date= September 4, 2010|archive-date= November 10, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161110000246/http://als-cannonfield.com/Flitfire.htm|url-status= dead}}</ref> At least three of the original Flitfires have been restored to their original silver-doped finish.<ref>{{cite web|title=Museum Guide|publisher=North Carolina Aviation Museum}}</ref>

==Operational history==
===World War II service===
[[File:CAP Piper J-3 NC42050 3.jpg|thumb|J-3 aircraft with CAP markings on display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]]]
[[File:USAFM ey22.jpg|thumb|An L-4A painted and marked to represent an aircraft that flew in support of the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942]]
[[File:DoD USMC 86249.jpg|thumb|A Piper Cub of the 1st Marine Division's improvised air force snags a message from a patrol on New Britain's north coast.]]

Minutes before the 1941 [[Attack on Pearl Harbor]], Machinist Mate 2nd Class Marcus F. Poston, a student pilot, was on a solo flight through K-T Flying Service, piloting a Piper Cub J-3 over the valley of [[Oahu]]. Poston was flying just as the Japanese planes began appearing over the island and was subsequently shot down. Poston managed to bail out and parachute to safety. The Piper J-3 Cub was the first American plane to be shot down in [[World War II]].

The Piper Cub quickly became a familiar sight. [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] [[Eleanor Roosevelt]] took a flight in a J-3 Cub, posing for a series of publicity photos to help promote the CPTP. [[Newsreel]]s and newspapers of the era often featured images of wartime leaders, such as Generals [[Dwight Eisenhower]], [[George Patton]] and [[George Marshall]], flying around European battlefields in Piper Cubs.

Civilian-owned Cubs joined the war effort as part of the newly formed [[Civil Air Patrol]], patrolling the [[East Coast of the United States|Eastern Seaboard]] and [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]] in a constant search for German [[U-boat]]s and survivors of U-boat attacks.<ref>Campbell, Douglas E., "Volume III: U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard Aircraft Lost During World War II Listed by Aircraft Type", Lulu.com,  {{ISBN|978-1-257-90689-5}} (2011), p. 374{{self-published source|date=June 2022}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2020}}<ref name="af2865">{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil/history/spotlight.asp?storyID=123032865 |title=Civil Air Patrol |work=Air Force Link |date=27 November 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315152319/http://www.af.mil/history/spotlight.asp?storyID=123032865 |archive-date=15 March 2008}}</ref><ref name="aiww2-0704">{{cite journal |url=http://www.americainwwii.com/stories/guarding.html |title=Guarding the home skies |journal=America in WWII |publisher=310 Publishing |first=Drew |last=Ames |date=April 2007 |access-date=3 October 2008 |issn=1554-5296}}</ref>

Piper developed a military variant ("All we had to do," Bill Jr. is quoted as saying, "was paint the Cub olive drab to produce a military airplane"),<ref name=spence/> variously designated as the '''O-59''' (1941), '''L-4''' (after April 1942) and '''NE''' (U.S. Navy). The L-4 Grasshopper was mechanically identical to the J-3 civilian Cub, but was distinguishable by the use of a [[Plexiglas]] greenhouse skylight and rear windows for improved visibility, much like the [[Taylorcraft L-2]] and [[Aeronca L-3]] also in use with the US armed forces. It had accommodations for a single passenger in addition to the pilot. When carrying only the pilot, the L-4 had a top speed of {{convert|85|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, a cruise speed of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, a service ceiling of {{convert|12000|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}, a stall speed of {{convert|38|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, an endurance of three hours,<ref name="FOU">Fountain, Paul, ''The Maytag Messerschmitts'', Flying Magazine, March 1945, p. 90: With one pilot aboard, the L-4 had a maximum endurance of three hours' flight time (no reserve) at a reduced cruising speed of 65 mph.</ref> and a range of {{convert|225|mi|km|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>Gunston, Bill and Bridgman, Leonard, ''Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II'', Studio Editions, {{ISBN|978-1-85170-199-5}} (1989), p. 253</ref> Some 5,413 L-4s were produced for U.S. forces, including 250 built for the U.S. Navy under contract as the NE-1 and NE-2.<ref>Frédriksen, John C., ''Warbirds: An Illustrated guide to U.S. Military Aircraft, 1915–2000'', ABC-CLIO,  {{ISBN|978-1-57607-131-1}} (1999), p. 270</ref><ref>Bishop, Chris, ''The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II'', Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., {{ISBN|978-1-58663-762-0}} (2002), p. 431</ref>

All L-4 models, as well as other tandem-seat light aircraft from [[Aeronca L-3|Aeronca]] and [[L-2 Grasshopper|Taylorcraft]], were collectively nicknamed "Grasshoppers", although any liaison plane, regardless of manufacturer, was often referred to as a 'Cub'. The L-4 was primarily employed in World War II for artillery spotting and training liaison pilots, but short-range reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and courier or supply missions were not uncommon.<ref name=guill/> During the [[Operation Overlord|Allied invasion of France]] in June 1944, the L-4's slow cruising speed and low-level maneuverability made it an ideal observation platform for spotting hidden German guns and armored vehicles waiting in ambush in the hedgerow [[bocage]] country south of the invasion beaches. For these and other operations, the pilot generally carried both an observer and {{convert|25|lb|kg|adj=on}} communications radio, a load that sometimes exceeded the plane's specified gross weight.<ref name="FOU"/> After the Allied breakout in France, L-4s were occasionally equipped with improvised racks (usually in pairs or quartets) of infantry [[bazooka]]s for attacking enemy vehicles. The most famous of these unlikely ground attack planes was an L-4 named ''Rosie the Rocketer'', piloted by Maj. [[Charles Carpenter (Lt. Col.)|Charles "Bazooka Charlie" Carpenter]], whose six bazooka rocket launchers were credited with eliminating several tanks and armored cars during its wartime service,<ref>''What's New in Aviation: Piper Cub Tank Buster'', Popular Science, Vol. 146 No. 2 (February 1945) p. 84</ref><ref>Kerns, Raymond C., Above the Thunder: Reminiscences of a Field Artillery Pilot in World War II, Kent State University Press, {{ISBN|978-0-87338-980-8}} (2009), pp. 23–24, 293–294</ref> especially during the [[Battle of Arracourt]]. L-4s could also be operated from ships, using the [[Brodie landing system]].

After the war, many L-4s were sold as surplus, but a considerable number were retained in service.<ref name="EDW">Edwards, Paul M., ''Korean War Almanac'', Infobase Publishing, {{ISBN|978-0-8160-6037-5}} (2006), p. 502</ref> L-4s sold as surplus in the U.S. were redesignated as J-3s, but often retained their wartime glazing and paint.<ref>"Nicholas Aircraft Sales", ''Flying Magazine'', April 1946, Vol. 38, No. 4, ISSN 0015-4806, p. 106</ref>

===Postwar===
[[File:N98600 (5879666200).jpg|thumb|A 1946-built J3C-65 in 2011]]

An icon of the era and of American [[general aviation]], the J-3 Cub has long been loved by pilots and nonpilots alike, with thousands still in use. Piper sold 19,073 J-3s between 1938 and 1947, the majority of them L-4s and other military variants. After the war, thousands of Grasshoppers were civilian-registered under the designation J-3. Sixty-five pre-war Taylor and Piper Cubs were assembled from parts in Canada (by [[Cub Aircraft Corporation Ltd.]]). After the war, 130 J-3C-65 models were manufactured in Hamilton, Ontario.  Sixteen L-4B models, (known as the '''Prospector'''), were later manufactured.  The last J-3 model was assembled from parts at Leavens Bros. Toronto in 1952.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Price |first1=Cameron |title=Cub Aircraft History |url=https://torontoaviationhistory.com/cub-aircraft-history |website=Toronto Aviation History |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=January 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122153936/https://torontoaviationhistory.com/cub-aircraft-history/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> J-3 Cubs were also assembled in Denmark<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nikolajsen |first1=Ole |title=Cub Aircraft Co. Ltd. i Lundtofte 1937 - 1940 |url=http://www.ole-nikolajsen.com/danish%20cubs.pdf |website=Ole-Nikolajsen.com |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404013123/http://www.ole-nikolajsen.com/danish%20cubs.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Argentina and by a licensee in Oklahoma.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ford |first1=Daniel |title=Cub Production, 1931-2019 |url=http://www.pipercubforum.com/cubprod.htm |website=The Piper Cub Forum |access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref>

In the late 1940s, the J-3 was replaced by the [[Piper PA-11]] Cub Special (1,500 produced), the first Piper Cub version to have a fully enclosed cowling for its powerplant and then the [[Piper PA-18 Super Cub]], which Piper produced until 1981 when it sold the rights to WTA Inc. In all, Piper produced 2,650 Super Cubs. The Super Cub had a 150&nbsp;hp (110&nbsp;kW) engine which increased its top speed to 130&nbsp;mph (210&nbsp;km/h). Its range was {{convert|460|mi|km|0}}.
[[File:1944_Piper_Cub_J-3C-100_HB-OUE_with_rare_Rolls-Royce_100hp_engine.jpg|thumb|1944 Piper Cub J-3C-100 HB-OUE with rare Rolls-Royce 100hp engine. Flugplatz Fricktal Schupfart aerodrome LSZI, Switzerland.]]

===Korean War service===
On 26 June 1950, one day after the Korean War broke out, the Republic of Korea Air Force flew L-4s to Dongducheon to support the ROK 7th Infantry Division against North Korean military by dropping two bombs from an observer in the rear seat. A total of 70 bombs were dropped until the following day, then aircraft were switched back to reconnaissance mission as bombs were depleted. South Korea lost 25 L-4s throughout the Korean War.<ref name="L-4 Korean War">{{Cite book |last=Bak |first=Dongchan |url=http://medcmd.mil.kr/user/imhc/upload/pblictn/PBLICTNEBOOK_202105270240172800.pdf |title=Korean War : Weapons of the United Nations |publisher=Ministry of Defense Institute for Military History |date=March 2021 |isbn=979-11-5598-079-8 |location=Republic of Korea |pages=463–466 |language=Korean |access-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170621/http://medcmd.mil.kr/user/imhc/upload/pblictn/PBLICTNEBOOK_202105270240172800.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The United States Army also operated small numbers of L-4s, but were replaced by L-16 during the war.<ref name="L-4 Korean War"/> The L-4 was in service in many of the same roles it had performed during World War II, such as artillery spotting, forward air control and reconnaissance.<ref name="EDW"/> Some L-4s were fitted with a high-back canopy to carry a single stretcher for medical evacuation of wounded soldiers.<ref name="EDW"/>

===Modern production===
Modernized and up-engined versions are produced by [[Cub Crafters]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]] and by [[American Legend Aircraft]] in [[Texas]], as the Cub continues to be sought after by [[bush plane|bush]] pilots for its short takeoff and landing ([[STOL]])  capabilities, as well as by recreational pilots for its nostalgia appeal. The new aircraft are actually modeled on the PA-11, though the Legend company does sell an open-cowl version with the cylinder heads exposed, like the J-3 Cub.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clay |first=Rebecca A. |date=2013 |title=Not your grandfather's CE |url=https://doi.org/10.1037/e518652013-014 |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=PsycEXTRA Dataset}}</ref> An electrical system is standard from both manufacturers.{{Citation needed|date=January 2014}}

[[File:Piper J-3C-65 Cubimg 0505.jpg|thumb|A Piper J3C-65 front view showing "eyebrow" air scoops on its engine cylinders]]
The J-3 is distinguished from its successors by having a cowl that exposes its engine's cylinder heads — the exposed cylinders of any J-3's engine were usually fitted with sheet metal "eyebrow" air scoops to direct air over the cylinder's fins for more effective engine cooling in flight. Very few other examples exist of "flat" aircraft engine installations (as opposed to radial engines) in which the cylinder heads are exposed. From the PA-11 on through the present Super Cub models, the cowling surrounds the cylinder heads.<ref name="Supercub">Clark, Anders. (21 November 2014) "[https://disciplesofflight.com/worlds-iconic-airplane-piper-j-3-cub/ Piper J-3 Cub: The World's Most Iconic Airplane]". Disciples of Flight. Retrieved 21 August 2014.</ref>

A curiosity of the J-3 is that when it is flown solo, the lone pilot normally occupies the rear seat for proper balance, to balance the fuel tank located at the firewall. Starting with the PA-11, as well as some L-4s, fuel was carried in wing tanks, allowing the pilot to fly solo from the front seat.<ref name="Supercub"/>

[[File:o'brien's flyingcircus aerobaticsteam cotswoldairshow 2010 arp.jpg|thumb|A "clipped-wing" Piper J3C-65 of O'Briens Flying Circus Aerobatic Stunt Team lands on a moving trailer at [[Cotswold Airport]]]]
[[File:J3 at dock.jpg|thumb|J3-65 on floats, Lake Champlain, Vermont]]

==Variants==
===Civil===
;J-3
:Equipped with a [[Continental A-40]], A-40-2, or A-40-3 engine of {{convert|37|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, or A-40-4 engine of {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="ATC660">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9ae985fe2a4d8847862572c9006eda41/$FILE/ATTQ7W2D/ATC660.pdf|title = Approved Type Certificate 660|access-date = 2010-02-15|last = Federal Aviation Administration|author-link = Federal Aviation Administration|date=October 1939}}</ref>
;J3C-40
:Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a Continental A-40-4 or A-40-5 of {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="A691">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/f323caa28762f4c486257209007258d4/$FILE/A-691.pdf|title = AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATION NO. A-691|access-date = 2010-02-15|last = Federal Aviation Administration|author-link = Federal Aviation Administration|date=August 2006}}</ref>
;J3C-50
:Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a [[Continental O-170|Continental A-50-1]] or A-50-2 to -9 (inclusive) of {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="A691" />
;J3C-50S
:Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a Continental A-50-1 or A-50-2 to -9 (inclusive) of {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, equipped with optional float kit<ref name="A691" />
;J3C-65
:Certified 6 July 1939 and equipped with a Continental A-65-1 or A-65-3, 6, 7, 8, 8F, 9 or 14 of {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or an A-65-14, Continental A-75-8, A-75-8-9 or A-75-12 of {{convert|75|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or [[Continental O-190|Continental C-85-8]] or C-85-12 of {{convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or [[Continental O-200|Continental C-90-8F]] of {{convert|90|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="A691" />
;J3C-65S
:Certified 27 May 1940 and equipped with a Continental A-65-1 or A-65-3, 6, 7, 8, 8F, 9 or 14 of {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or an A-65-14, Continental A-75-8, A-75-8-9 or A-75-12 of {{convert|75|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or Continental C-85-8 or C-85-12 of {{convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or Continental C-90-8F of {{convert|90|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, equipped with optional float kit<ref name="A691" />
;J3F-50
:Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a [[Franklin 4AC|Franklin 4AC-150 Series 50]] of {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="A692">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/b517fb092ee72c198625720a0055b58a/$FILE/A-692.pdf|title = AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATION NO. A-692|access-date = 2010-02-15|last = Federal Aviation Administration|date=August 2006}}</ref>
;J3F-50S
:Certified 14 July 1938 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-150 Series 50 of {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, equipped with optional float kit<ref name="A692" />
;J3F-60
:Certified 13 April 1940 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-150 Series A of {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or a Franklin 4AC-171 of {{convert|60|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="A692" />
;J3F-60S
:Certified 31 May 1940 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-150 Series A of {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or a Franklin 4AC-171 of {{convert|60|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, equipped with optional float kit<ref name="A692" />
;J3F-65
:Certified 7 August 1940 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-176-B2 or a Franklin 4AC-176-BA2 of {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="A692" />
;J3F-65S
:Certified 4 January 1943 and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-176-B2 or a Franklin 4AC-176-BA2 of {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, equipped with optional float kit<ref name="A692" />
;J3L
:Certified 17 September 1938 and equipped with a [[Lycoming O-145|Lycoming O-145-A1]] of {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or a Lycoming O-145-A2 or A3 of {{convert|55|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="A698">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/654cec2e0f108d0a8625720900728d14/$FILE/a-698.pdf|title = AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATION A-698|access-date = 2010-02-15|last = Federal Aviation Administration|date=August 2006}}</ref>
;J3L-S
:Certified 2 May 1939 and equipped with a Lycoming O-145-A1 of {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or a Lycoming O-145-A2 or A3 of {{convert|55|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, equipped with optional float kit<ref name="A698" />
;J3L-65
:Certified 27 May 1940 and equipped with a Lycoming O-145-B1, B2, or B3 of {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="A698" />
;J3L-65S
:Certified 27 May 1940 and equipped with a Lycoming O-145-B1, B2, or B3 of {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, equipped with optional float kit<ref name="A698" />
[[File:PiperJ3P.jpg|thumb|Piper J3P NX20280 with Lenape engine at Oshkosh July 2012]]
;J3P
:Variant powered by a {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Lenape LM-3-50]] or [[Lenape AR-3-160]] three-cylinder radial  engine<ref name="Peperell" /><ref name="ATC695">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/ae0aecbca42009eb862572c9006edb1b/$FILE/ATTYNRM6/TC695.pdf|title = Approved Type Certificate 695|access-date = 2010-02-18|last = Federal Aviation Administration|date = October 1942|archive-date = July 14, 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100714023026/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/ae0aecbca42009eb862572c9006edb1b/$FILE/ATTYNRM6/TC695.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref>
;J-3R
:Variant with slotted flaps powered by a {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Lenape LM-3-65]] engine.<ref name="Peperell" />
;J-3X
:1944 variant with cantilever wing powered by a {{convert|65|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Continental A-65|Continental A-65-8]] engine.<ref name="Peperell" />
;L-4B Prospector
:Canadian manufactured model, with removable rear seat and control, additional capacity, optional extra fuel tank and painted in a PA-12 color scheme.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Price |first1=Cameron |title=Cub Aircraft History |url=https://torontoaviationhistory.com/cub-aircraft-history |website=Toronto Aviation History |access-date=19 March 2022 |archive-date=January 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122153936/https://torontoaviationhistory.com/cub-aircraft-history/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;Cammandre 1
:A French conversion of J-3 Cub/L-4 aircraft<ref name="Cammandre">{{cite web|url =http://www.abpic.co.uk/search.php?q=Camandre%201%20(Cub%20conversion)&u=type|title = Cammandre 1|access-date = 2011-02-07}}</ref>
;Poullin J.5A:Five L-4 Cubs converted by Jean Poullin for specialist tasks.<ref name=Gaillard4464>{{cite book|last=Gaillard|first=Pierre|title=Les Avions Francais de 1944 a 1964|year=1990|publisher=Editions EPA|language=fr|location=Paris|isbn=2-85120-350-9}}</ref>
;Poullin J.5B:A single L-4 Cub converted by Jean Poullin for specialist tasks<ref name=Gaillard4464/>
;Wagner Twin Cub:A twin fuselage conversion of the J-3<ref>{{Cite web |title=TwinNavion.com |url=https://www.twinnavion.com/oddballs.htm |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=www.twinnavion.com}}</ref>

===Military===
[[File:Piper TG-8 3-view line drawing.png|thumb|A 3-view line drawing of the TG-8]]

;YO-59
: Four US Army Air Corps test and evaluation J3C-65<ref name="Andrade140" />
;O-59
: Production version for the USAAC; 140 built later redesignated L-4<ref name="Andrade140" />
;O-59A
: Improved version, powered by a 65-hp (48-kW) Continental O-170-3 piston engine; 948 built, later redesignated L-4A<ref name="Andrade140" />
;L-4
: Redesignated YO-59 and O-59<ref name="Andrade129" />
;L-4A
: Redesignated O-59A.<ref name="Andrade129" />
;L-4B
: As per L-4A, but without radio equipment; 980 built<ref name="Andrade129" />
;L-4C
: Eight impressed J3L-65s, first two originally designated UC-83A<ref name="Andrade129" />
[[File:Piper_TG-8A_Glider.jpg|thumb|Piper TG-8]]
;L-4D
: Five impressed J3F-65s<ref name="Andrade129" />
;L-4H
: As per L-4B but with improved equipment and fixed-pitch propeller, 1801 built<ref name="Andrade129" />
;L-4J
: L-4H with controllable-pitch propeller, 1680 built<ref name="Andrade129" />
;UC-83A
: Two impressed J3L-65s, later redesignated L-4C<ref name="Andrade81" />
[[File:PiperNE-1.jpg|thumb|Piper NE-1]]
;TG-8
: Three-seat training glider variant, 250 built<ref name="Andrade170" />
;XLNP-1
: United States Navy designation for three experimental TG-8s received<ref name="Andrade170" />
;NE-1
: United States Navy designation for dual-control version of J3C-65, 230 built<ref name="Andrade201" />
;NE-2
: As per NE-1 with minor equipment changes, 20 built<ref name="Andrade201" />
;B.S.3
:({{langx|th|บ.ส.๓}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the L-4H and L-4J.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

==Operators==
===Civil===
[[File:PiperCub-75th.jpg|thumb|Cubs gather for their 75th anniversary at [[AirVenture]] 2012]]
The aircraft has been popular with flying schools — especially from the pre-World War II existence of the [[Civilian Pilot Training Program]] using them in the United States — and remains so with private individuals, into the 21st century.

===Military===
[[File:L-4J-Piper-Cub.jpg|thumb|Indonesian Air Force L-4J at [[Dirgantara Mandala Museum]]]]
;{{flag|Dutch East Indies}}
*[[Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force]]<ref name=NEIADF>{{cite web | url = http://nei.adf-serials.com/indonesian-aviation-1945-50.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051214192414/http://nei.adf-serials.com/indonesian-aviation-1945-50.pdf | archive-date = 2005-12-14 | date = November 2005 | ref = JH05 | title = Indonesian aviation 1945-1950 | work = adf-serials.com | first =  Jos | last = Heyman | page = 18 }}</ref>
;{{IDN}}
*[[Indonesian Air Force]]<ref>[[#JH05|Heyman (2005)]], pp. 19, 22.</ref>
;{{ROK}}
*[[Republic of Korea Air Force]]: Received 10 L-4s from the Army to create the Air Force on 1 October 1949. 8 L-4s were operational at the beginning of the Korean War. Lost 25 vehicles during the war.<ref name="L-4 Korean War"/><ref name="Triggs1319">Triggs, James M.: ''The Piper Cub Story'', pages 13–19. The Sports Car Press, 1963. SBN 87112-006-2</ref>
;{{PAR}}
*[[Military of Paraguay]] - L-4<ref name="Krivinyi">Krivinyi, Nikolaus: ''World Military Aviation'', page 181. Arco Publishing Company, 1977. {{ISBN|0-668-04348-2}}</ref>
;{{flag|Thailand}}
* [[Royal Thai Navy]]<ref name="worldairforces.com">{{citation|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/countries/thailand/thl.html|title=World Air Forces – Historical Listings Thailand (THL)|access-date=30 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125054737/http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/thailand/thl.html|archive-date=25 January 2012}}</ref>
;{{UK}}
*[[Royal Air Force]]<ref name="Andrade239" />
;{{USA}}
*[[United States Air Force]]<ref name="Peperell" />
*[[United States Army]]<ref name="Triggs1319" />
*[[United States Army Air Forces]]<ref name="Peperell" />
*[[United States Navy]]<ref name="Peperell" /><ref name="Triggs1319" />
*[[Civil Air Patrol]]

==Specifications (J3C-65 Cub)==
{{multiple image
 |total_width = 500
 | image1 = Piper J3 Cub.svg
 | alt1 = 3-view line drawing of the Piper J3C Cub
 | caption1 = 3-view line drawing of the Piper J3C Cub
 | image2 = Piper L-4B Grasshopper 3-view line drawing.png
 | alt2 = 3-view line drawing of the Piper L-4B Grasshopper
 | caption2 = 3-view line drawing of the Piper L-4B Grasshopper
}}

{{Aircraft specs
    |ref                        = <!-- reference --> The Piper Cub Story<ref name="Triggs">Triggs, James M.: ''The Piper Cub Story'', page 31. The Sports Car Press, 1963. SBN 87112-006-2</ref>
    |prime units?               = kts
    <!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, 
    met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show -->
    <!--General characteristics-->
    |crew                   = one pilot
    |capacity               = one passenger
**'''Useful load:''' 455 lb (205 kg)
    |length m               = 6.83
    |length ft              = 22
    |length in              = 5
    |span m                 = 10.74
    |span ft                = 35
    |span in                = 3
    |height m               = 2.03
    |height ft              = 6
    |height in              = 8
    |wing area sqm          = 16.58
    |wing area sqft         = 178.5
    |aspect ratio           = 
    |airfoil                = 
    |empty weight kg        = 345
    |empty weight lb        = 765
    |gross weight kg        = 
    |gross weight lb        = 
    |max takeoff weight kg  = 550
    |max takeoff weight lb  = 1220
    |more general           = 
    <!--Powerplant-->
    |eng1 number            = 1
    |eng1 name              = [[Continental A-65|Continental A-65-8]]
    |eng1 type              = air-cooled [[horizontally opposed]] four cylinder
    |eng1 kw                = <!-- prop engines --> 48
    |eng1 hp                = <!-- prop engines --> 65
    |eng1 shp               = <!-- prop engines --> 
    |eng1 kn                = <!-- jet/rocket engines --> 
    |eng1 lbf               = <!-- jet/rocket engines --> 
    |power original         = 
    |thrust original        = 
    |eng1 kn-ab             = 
    |eng1 lbf-ab            = 
    |more power             = &ensp;at 2,350 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]]
    |prop name              = 
    |prop dia m             = <!-- propeller aircraft --> 
    |prop dia ft            = <!-- propeller aircraft --> 
    |prop dia in            = <!-- propeller aircraft --> 
    |rot dia m              = <!-- helicopters --> 
    |rot dia ft             = <!-- helicopters --> 
    |rot dia in             = <!-- helicopters --> 
    |rot area sqm           = <!-- helicopters --> 
    |rot area sqft          = <!-- helicopters --> 
    |rot number             = 
    <!--Performance-->
    |max speed kmh          = 140
    |max speed mph          = 87
    |max speed kts          = 76
    |max speed note         = 
    |max speed mach         = 
    |cruise speed kmh       = 121
    |cruise speed mph       = 75
    |cruise speed kts       = 65
    |cruise speed note      = 
    |stall speed kmh        = 61
    |stall speed mph        = 38
    |stall speed kts        = 33
    |stall speed note       = 
    |never exceed speed kmh = 
    |never exceed speed mph = 
    |never exceed speed kts = 
    |range km               = 354
    |range miles            = 220
    |range nmi              = 191
    |range note             = 
    |combat range km        = 
    |combat range miles     = 
    |combat range nmi       = 
    |combat range note      = 
    |ferry range km         = 
    |ferry range miles      = 
    |ferry range nmi        = 
    |ferry range note       = 
    |endurance              = <!-- if range unknown --> 
    |ceiling m              = 3500
    |ceiling ft             = 11500
    |ceiling note           = 
    |climb rate ms          = 2.3
    |climb rate ftmin       = 450
    |climb rate note        = 
    |sink rate ms           = <!-- sailplanes --> 
    |sink rate ftmin        = <!-- sailplanes --> 
    |sink rate note         = 
    |wing loading kg/m2     = 33.4
    |wing loading lb/sqft   = 6.84
    |disk loading kg/m2     = 
    |disk loading lb/sqft   = 
    |power/mass             = 18.75 lb/hp (11.35 kg/kW)
    |thrust/weight          = 
    |more performance       = 
    <!--Armament-->
    
    |guns                   = 
    |bombs                  = 
    |rockets                = 
    |missiles               = 
    |hardpoints             = 
    |hardpoint capacity     = 
    |hardpoint rockets      = 
    |hardpoint missiles     = 
    |hardpoint bombs        = 
    |hardpoint other        = 
    |avionics               = 
    }}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent|
|related=
* [[American Legend AL3C-100]]
* [[CubCrafters CC11-100 Sport Cub S2]]
* [[LIPNUR Belalang]]
* [[Marawing 1-L Malamut]]
* [[Taylor J-2|Piper J-2]]
* [[Piper PA-15 Vagabond]]
* [[Piper PA-16 Clipper]]
* [[Piper PA-18 Super Cub]]
* [[Piper PA-20 Pacer]]
* [[Wag-Aero CUBy]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Aeronca Champion]]
* [[Aeronca L-3]]
* [[American Eagle Eaglet]]
* [[Fieseler Fi 156]] ''Storch''
* [[Denney Kitfox|Kitfox Model 5]]
* [[Taylorcraft B|Taylorcraft BC-65]]
* [[Taylorcraft L-2]]
|lists=
* [[List of aircraft of World War II]]
* [[List of most-produced aircraft]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Andrade81">Andrade 1979, p. 81</ref>
<ref name="Andrade129">Andrade 1979, p. 129</ref>
<ref name="Andrade140">Andrade 1979, p. 140</ref>
<ref name="Andrade170">Andrade 1979, p. 170</ref>
<ref name="Andrade201">Andrade 1979, p. 201</ref>
<ref name="Andrade239">Andrade 1979, p. 239</ref>
<ref name="Peperell">Peperell 1987, pp. 22–34</ref>
}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |last=Andrade |first=John |title=U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909 |year=1979 |publisher=Midland Counties Publications |isbn=0-904597-22-9}}
* {{cite book|author=Bowers, Peter M.|title=Piper Cubs|publisher=McGraw Hill|year=1993|isbn=0-8306-2170-9}}
*{{cite book |last=Peperell |first=Roger W |author2=Smith, Colin M  | title= Piper Aircraft and their Forerunners | year=1987 |publisher=[[Air-Britain]] | location=Tonbridge, Kent, England | isbn=0-85130-149-5}}
*{{cite book|last=Gaillard|first=Pierre|title=Les Avions Francais de 1944 a 1964|year=1990|publisher=Editions EPA|language=fr|location=Paris|isbn=2-85120-350-9}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Neto|first1=Ricardo Bonalume|title='Ugly Ducklings' and the 'Forgotten Division': Brazilian Piper L-4s in Italy, 1944–1945, Part One |journal=Air Enthusiast |date=March–April 1999 |issue=80 |pages=36–40 |issn=0143-5450}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Neto|first1=Ricardo Bonalume|title='Ugly Ducklings' and the 'Forgotten Division': Brazilian Piper L-4s in Italy, 1944–1945, Part Two |journal=Air Enthusiast |date=May–June 1999 |issue=81 |pages=73–77 |issn=0143-5450}}
*{{cite journal|title=Pentagon Over the Islands: The Thirty-Year History of Indonesian Military Aviation|journal=Air Enthusiast Quarterly |date=n.d. |issue=2 |pages=154–162 |issn=0143-5450}}

==External links==
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{{commons category|Piper J-3 Cub}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070429215643/http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/AC/aircraft/Piper-Cub/j3cub_info/j3_info.htm Fiddler's Green] - history of the J-3
* [http://www.piper.com/history/ Piper Aircraft, Inc. - History] - Brief timeline of the history of Piper Aircraft, starting with the Piper Cub
* [http://www.sentimentaljourneyfly-in.com/ Sentimental Journey] - Annual [[Fly-In|fly-in]] of Piper Cubs held in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania

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