Piper J-3 Cub

The Piper J‑3 Cub, introduced in 1938 by Piper Aircraft, quickly became one of the most recognizable light aircraft ever built. Developed from earlier J‑2 and J‑4 models, the J‑3 featured a simple high‑wing, fabric‑covered design powered by a 40‑horsepower Continental A‑40 engine. Its open cockpit, trailing‑edge ailerons, and sturdy steel tube fuselage gave pilots excellent visibility and forgiving handling, making it ideal for training, personal recreation, and bush flying. Over 20,000 Cubs were produced before production ceased in 1947, and the type continued to be built under license in several countries. The aircraft played a vital role during World War II, where the military version, the L‑4 Grasshopper, served as a forward‑observation and artillery‑spotting platform, proving the Cub’s reliability in rugged environments. After the war, the Cub’s low operating costs and easy maintenance cemented its place in civilian flight schools and private ownership, influencing generations of pilots. Its legacy endures today through numerous restorations, replica builds, and its status as a symbol of affordable, uncomplicated aviation. Its design inspired later Piper models like the PA‑18 Super Cub, which adds power and modern gear while preserving the classic feel.

Piper Aircraft

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification