PIPER J SERIES For Sale

Piper J Series Aircraft Information

Built between 1937 and 1947, the Piper J-3 Cub is a small, simple, light aircraft. The J-3 Cub was intended for flight training with its tandem seating, but became one of the most popular light aircraft of all time. The capacity of the aircraft is one crew member and one passenger. The empty weight is 765 lb (3450 kg) and the maximum takeoff weight is 1220 lb (550 kg). Cruise speed is 65 knots (75 mph, 121 km/h) and maximum speed is 76 knots (87 mph, 140 km/h). The J-3 Cub's standard chrome yellow paint became known as "Cub Yellow" or "Lock Haven Yellow".

Several civil and military variants of the Piper J-3 Cub were manufactured. Civil variants include the Piper J-3 Cub, J3C-40, J3C-50, J3C-50S, J3C-65, J3C-65S, J3F-50, J3F-50S, J3F-60, J3F-60S, J3F-65, J3F-65S, J3L, J3L-S, J3L-65, J3L-65S, J3-, J-3R, J-3X, Piper J-4E, and the Piper J-5A Cub Cruiser. Military variants include the YO-59, O-59, 0-59A, Piper L-4 Cub, L-4A, L-4B, L-4C, L-4D, L-4H, L-4J, UC-83A, TG-8, LNNP, NE-1, and NE-2. The Piper J Series is popular with flying schools and private individuals.

In 1938 powered by a 40 hp engine the J-3 replaced the J-2. During World War II the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) was formed in which the Piper J-3 Cub would plan an integral role in the success of the CPTP achieving legendary status. The Cub became the primary trainer aircraft of the CPTP. 80 percent of all United States military pilots received their initial flight training in Piper Cubs. In 1940, 3016 Cubs were built. Eventually wartime demands increased the production rate to one Piper J-3 Cub built every 20 minutes.

J-3s were part of fund-raising programs to support the United Kingdom prior to the United States entering World War II. Known as the Flitfire, a J-3 bearing a Royal Air Force insignia was donated by W.T. Piper and Franklin Motors to the RAF Benevolent Fund to be raffled off. Piper distributors across the United States were encouraged to do the same. In the 21st century, at least three of the original Flitfires are known to exist.

In 1941, Piper developed a military variant, variously designated the O-59 and later followed by the L-4 and NE. The models were collectively nicknamed "Grasshoppers".These aircrafts were used extensively during World War II for reconnaissance, transporting supplies, and medical evacuation. For ground attack L-4s were sometimes equipped with lashed-on infantry bazookas. Most L-4s were destroyed or sold as surplus after World War II, but a few saw service in the Korean War. In the United States, the Grasshoppers sold as surplus were redesignated as J-3s, but often retained their wartime glazing and paint.

Between 1938 and 1947, Piper sold 19,073 J-3 Cubs. With the majority of them being L-4s and other military variants. Thousands of Grasshoppers were civilian registered postwar. The J-3 is an icon of the era. The aircraft has long been loved by pilots and non-pilots alike, with thousands of them still in use today.

To view the various models currently available, please check out our Piper aircraft for sale for descriptions and photos or PLACE A LISTING of your aircraft for sale.