Piper PA-12

The Piper PA‑12 Super Cruiser is a three‑seat, high‑wing monoplane built by Piper Aircraft from 1945 to 1949. Developed as a post‑war evolution of the earlier PA‑11 and PA‑8 models, the PA‑12 incorporated a larger cabin, strengthened airframe, and a more powerful 115‑horsepower Lycoming O‑235 engine. Its fabric‑covered steel tube fuselage and wooden wing with dual wing‑root fuel tanks gave the aircraft a rugged yet lightweight construction that appealed to both private owners and bush pilots. With a maximum cruise speed of about 115 knots, a range of roughly 500 nautical miles and the ability to operate from short, unimproved strips, the Super Cruiser became a favorite for personal transport, flight training, and aerial work in remote regions of North America, Australia and Africa. Over 2,600 units were produced before production ceased, and many remain flying today, celebrated for their dependable handling and straightforward maintenance. The PA‑12’s versatility helped expand general aviation after World War II, demonstrating how a modest, affordable airplane could safely serve diverse missions and inspire a generation of pilots. Today, the aircraft is preserved in several museums and continues to be prized by vintage aircraft enthusiasts for its classic design and reliable performance.

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