Piper L-4A Grasshopper
Single-engine two-seat high-wing monoplane

Archive Photos ¹

1942 Piper L-4A Grasshopper (AF 42-36790) c.2000 on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, WPAFB, Dayton, Ohio (Photos by John Shupek)

1942 Piper L-4A (O-59A/J3C-65) Grasshopper (AF 42-36446, c/n 8570 ) c.2000 on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, WPAFB, Dayton, Ohio (Photos by John Shupek)

Overview ²

The Piper Grasshopper is a light observation and liaison monoplane which was developed from the Cub Trainer. The U.S. Air Forces designation was L-4, the U.S. Navy designation was NE-1, and the British name for the aircraft was Piper Cub. It is basically similar to the civil model except that the rear of the cabin has been provided with greater window area. This aircraft was originally given the Army designation O-59 but was subsequently transferred to the liaison category and re-designated L-4.

The Piper L-4A, L-4B and L-4H were all manufactured under Army contracts and differ from each other only in minor details. Other models in the Piper L-4 series were civil models which were bought secondhand for pre-glider training and other miscellaneous duties. These civil models were identified as follows:

• L-4C: J3L-65 Cub Trainer. Lycoming O-145-B1 engine.
• L-4D: J3F-65 Cub Trainer. Franklin 4AC-176-B2 engine.
• L-4E: J4 Coupé. Continental A75-9 engine.
• L-4F: Originally UC-83. J5A Cruiser. Continental A75-8 engine.
• L-4G: J5B Cruiser. Lycoming GO-145-C2 engine.

Specifications (L-4A) ²

Type

• Two-seat light liaison and reconnaissance monoplane.

Wings

• High-wing braced monoplane.
• Wings attached direct to built-in center-section on top of the fuselage and braced to the lower longerons by steel-tube vee struts.
• Wing structure consists of spruce spars and aluminum-alloy ribs, the whole being covered with fabric Frise-type ailerons operated by cables.

Fuselage

• Rectangular structure of welded steel tubes, with fabric covering.

Tail Unit

• Normal monoplane type.
• Welded steel-tube framework, covered with fabric.

Landing Gear

• Divided type.
• Consists of two side Vees and two half-axles hinged to cabane below fuselage.
• Rubber-cord springing at top anchorages of axles.
• Twin landing-gear may be replaced by twin Edo all-metal floats.

Power Plant

• One 65 hp Continental O-170-3 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine.
• Fuel tank (12 US gallons) in fuselage behind fireproof bulkhead.

Accommodation

• Enclosed cabin seating two in tandem with dual controls.
• Observer’s seat may face forward or aft and when in latter position a small table for maps, etc. is provided.
• No radio

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 35 ft 2½ in (10.7 m)
• Length: 22 ft 4½ in (6.83 m)
• Height 6 ft 8 in (1.9 m)
• Wing area: 178.5 ft² (16.5 m²)

Weights

• Weight empty: 695 lb (315.5 kg)
• Weight loaded: 1,220 lb (554 kg)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 87 mph (139 km/h)
• Cruising speed: 75 mph (120 km/h)
• Stalling speed: 39 mph (60.8 km/h)
• Initial rate of climb: 450 ft/m (140 m/m)
• Service ceiling: 11,500 ft (3,510 m)
• Range: 260 miles (416 km)

References

1. Photos: John Shupek
2. Bridgman, Leonard. (editor). Jane’s All The World’s Aircraft 1945/46, Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd., London, 1946, page 297c-298c