Nearly 20,000 Piper Cubs were produced between1938 and 1947. It was originally intended as a trainer and became a popular as a general aviation aircraft.According to the Piper website:
“When Mr. Piper introduced the Piper Cub in 1937, he had a dream. He felt that everyone should fly. And he believed that Piper could provide everyone with that freedom.”
William T. Piper is often called the “Henry Ford of Aviation” because of his view of a simple-to-operate, low-cost, private airplane.
During World War II it was well-suited for military uses including reconnaissance, liaison, and ground control. The military versions of the Piper Cub were designated as the O-59 (1941), L-4 (after 1942), and NE (U.S. Navy). The L-4 Grasshopper was basically identical to the civilian J-3 Cub. The L-4 Grasshopper was also used in the Korean War by both the American and South Korean forces. Shown below are some Piper Cubs which are on display in some airplane museums.
Planes of Fame
The Planes of Fame Air Museum is located at the Chino, California, airport. The museum was founded in 1957 by Edward T. Maloney with just 10 airplanes. Today the museum has over 150 aircraft, of which more than 50 are flyable.
Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum
The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon has a collection of 82 airplanes.
According to the display:
“The United States Navy ordered 100 air ambulance aircraft from the Piper Aircraft Corporation for use in the Pacific Theater during World War II.”
Evergreen Air Museum
The Evergreen Air Museum is in McMinnville, Oregon.
Shown below is a 1943 Piper L-4H which was used as a liaison aircraft during World War II. With a maximum speed of 86 miles per hour, the primary mission of this unarmed aircraft was to spot targets for field artillery units. The plane carried a pilot and an observer.
More Airplanes
Museums 101: Vintage Aircraft in the Museum of Mountain Flying (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: 1930s Biplanes (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Some 1920s Monoplanes (Photo Diary)
The Ford Tri-Motor (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: World War I Airplanes (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Passenger Airplanes (Photo Diary)