Number 43 of 100 in 100, the Piper PA-18 Super Cub
Conceptualization:
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub was conceived in the post-World War II era when the demand for versatile, rugged aircraft was rising. Private pilots, flight schools, and bush operators sought an aircraft that was easy to fly, affordable, and capable of operating in remote environments with short or unimproved runways. Building upon the success of the J-3 Cub, which had become a beloved training aircraft, Piper aimed to produce a more powerful and adaptable plane. The growing trend of recreational flying, particularly among former military pilots, and the need for utility aircraft in bush operations, drove the design forward. The PA-18 Super Cub’s increased engine power, short-field performance, and adaptability to rough conditions made it ideal for a wide range of uses, from personal flying to backcountry operations.
Original Design:
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub’s design retained many features from its predecessor, the J-3 Cub, while incorporating important improvements to meet the evolving needs of pilots. The aircraft had a high-wing, taildragger configuration, which provided excellent visibility and rugged performance on short or unimproved runways. Its lightweight, fabric-covered steel tube fuselage ensured durability while remaining easy to repair, a significant advantage in remote regions. The addition of flaps, absent in earlier Cub models, greatly enhanced the Super Cub’s short-field capabilities, making it a favorite among bush pilots. The PA-18 was also equipped with more powerful engine options, with the 150-hp Lycoming variant being the most popular, offering increased payload and performance. Its tandem seating made it ideal for training, while its adaptability to floats, skis, and oversized tires broadened its utility in backcountry flying.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Roland Bergmann
Principal Designer:
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub was an evolution of the earlier Cub models, originally designed by Clarence Gilbert "C.G." Taylor and further developed under the leadership of William T. Piper. Built upon the foundation of the J-3 Cub and PA-11 Cub Special, the PA-18 was intended to be more powerful and versatile than its predecessors, addressing the demand for an aircraft capable of operating in rugged environments. The Piper team responsible for the PA-18 also worked on related aircraft like the PA-11 and PA-20 Pacer, which shared design principles such as lightweight construction and simple mechanics, focused on utility and ease of operation.
Production Run:
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub was first produced in 1949, replacing the PA-11 Cub Special. Over its production run, which lasted until 1994, more than 10,000 Super Cubs were built. The production peaked in 1953 when over 1,000 units were manufactured. While production slowed in 1983, the aircraft remained popular due to its STOL capabilities, rugged design, and versatility in bush flying and utility roles. After this brief pause, production resumed in 1988 but was limited, eventually ceasing entirely in 1994. Although Piper no longer produces the Super Cub, the aircraft remains in high demand, with many still flying today, and numerous companies offering kits or modifications to extend its life and capabilities.
Evolution:
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub underwent several important changes throughout its production run. Initially produced with a 95-horsepower Continental C-90-8F engine, later models offered more powerful engines, including 135-hp Lycoming O-290-D and 150-hp Lycoming O-320 variants, which greatly improved performance, particularly in short-field operations. The addition of wing flaps, absent in earlier models like the J-3 Cub, significantly enhanced the Super Cub’s STOL capabilities, making it ideal for bush flying. The aircraft was also adapted for various specialized roles, including agricultural versions and military variants like the L-18 and L-21. Over the years, the Super Cub saw upgrades in terms of payload capacity, with its gross weight increasing to 1,750 pounds in later models. While the design remained largely consistent, modifications allowed the Super Cub to thrive in diverse environments.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Andrea Muller
Specifications:
Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 22 ft 7 in (6.88 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft 2+1⁄2 in (10.732 m)
- Height: 6 ft 8+1⁄2 in (2.045 m)
- Wing area: 178.5 sq ft (16.58 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 7:1
- Airfoil: USA 35B MOD
- Empty weight: 930 lb (422 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,750 lb (794 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 36 US gal (30 imp gal; 140 L)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320 air-cooled flat four engine, 150 hp (110 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 130 mph (209 km/h, 113 kn)
- Cruise speed: 115 mph (185 km/h, 100 kn) (75% power)
- Stall speed: 43 mph (69 km/h, 37 kn) (flaps down)
- Never exceed speed: 153 mph (246 km/h, 133 kn)
- Range: 460 mi (740 km, 400 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 19,000 ft (5,800 m)
- Rate of climb: 960 ft/min (4.9 m/s)
- Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15 m): 500 ft (152 m)
- Landing distance from 50 ft (15 m): 725 ft (221 m)
Comparison with Other Aircraft in its Class:
The Cessna 170 (170B variant) offers more seating capacity and a slightly higher cruise speed than the Piper PA-18 Super Cub but requires a longer takeoff distance and lacks the Super Cub's STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities, as well as its rugged bush-flying features like oversized tires, floats, and skis. The Aeronca 7AC Champion (Champ), while lighter and cheaper to operate, offers significantly less power and payload capacity, making it more suitable for casual flying and light training, but less versatile in challenging environments. In contrast, the Super Cub stands out with its exceptional STOL capabilities, adaptability to various terrains through the use of tundra tires, floats, or skis, and strong performance thanks to its 150-hp engine, allowing it to carry more weight and handle rougher conditions than its competitors. Although it has less seating capacity, the Super Cub’s combination of power, versatility, and short-field performance makes it a superior choice for pilots who prioritize performance in rugged environments over size or passenger capacity.
Performance:
Piper PA-18 Super Cub Performance Envelope
V-Speeds (for PA-18-150):
- Vne (Never Exceed Speed): 150 mph (130 knots / 241 km/h)
- Vno (Maximum Structural Cruising Speed): 112 mph (97 knots / 180 km/h)
- Va (Maneuvering Speed): 93 mph (81 knots / 150 km/h)
- Vfe (Maximum Flap Extended Speed): 85 mph (74 knots / 137 km/h)
- Vx (Best Angle of Climb Speed): 50 mph (43 knots / 80 km/h)
- Vy (Best Rate of Climb Speed): 67 mph (58 knots / 108 km/h)
- Vs0 (Stall Speed, Landing Configuration with Flaps): 43 mph (37 knots / 69 km/h)
- Vs1 (Stall Speed, Clean Configuration): 53 mph (46 knots / 85 km/h)
G-Load Limitations (Utility Category):
- Positive G-Limits: +3.8 G
- Negative G-Limits: -1.52 G
Performance Summary:
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub, designed for normal and utility operations, is approved for limited aerobatic maneuvers such as steep turns, chandelles, lazy eights, and stalls. Its exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, with takeoff and landing distances of just 500 feet and a climb rate of 960 ft/min, make it ideal for personal and training use in environments with short or unimproved runways, like backcountry areas. The Super Cub’s excellent low-speed handling, high-lift wing design, and flaps make it forgiving for new pilots, while its taildragger configuration provides valuable training for handling crosswinds and operating conventional gear aircraft. Inexpensive to operate, with low fuel consumption and simple maintenance, the Super Cub is attractive for both flight schools and individual owners. Its powerful engine and low weight offer a high useful load, making it perfect for recreational activities. The Super Cub excels in bush flying, accessing remote areas others can't. Its combination of forgiving handling, versatility, and low operating costs makes it a standout for flight training and personal aviation alike.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Andrew Scott
Safety Record:
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub has a generally favorable safety record, but like all taildragger aircraft, it is susceptible to ground handling incidents such as ground loops, particularly in crosswind conditions. Due to its extensive use in bush flying and remote operations, the Super Cub has also been involved in accidents related to terrain and weather conditions, often in short-field or off-airport environments. While the aircraft is robust and designed for rugged use, it requires proper training and experience, particularly in slow flight and spin recovery. Compared to other aircraft in its class, such as the Cessna 170 and Aeronca Champ, the Super Cub’s safety challenges are more closely related to the environments in which it is used rather than any inherent design flaws.
Acquisition Cost:
When the Piper PA-18 Super Cub was first introduced in 1949, its base price was around $5,850. Today, Super Cubs are highly prized on the market, with prices typically ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 depending on the model, condition, and modifications. Models with advanced upgrades, such as STOL kits or floats, command even higher prices, reflecting the aircraft’s enduring appeal and versatility, especially among bush pilots and recreational flyers.
Conclusion:
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub remains one of the most iconic and versatile aircraft in aviation history, known for its rugged construction, simplicity, and impressive short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. Initially designed to meet the post-World War II demand for a powerful yet accessible aircraft, it quickly became a favorite among bush pilots, flight schools, and recreational flyers. Over its long production run, the Super Cub evolved to include more powerful engine options, enhanced performance features like flaps, and modifications for specialized roles, including agricultural work and military use. Despite requiring pilot proficiency, particularly in handling its taildragger configuration, the Super Cub’s agility, reliability, and adaptability to rough environments have solidified its place as a beloved workhorse in personal and professional aviation. Today, its strong resale value reflects its continued demand among pilots who seek adventure or need a reliable aircraft for remote operations.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Jenny Coffey
Bibliography:
Piper Aircraft Official Website
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Wikipedia – Piper PA-18 Super Cub
Airliners.net – Piper PA-18 Super Cub
Essco Links: