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1940s American light aircraft From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser is an American three-seat, high wing, single-engine conventional landing gear-equipped light aircraft that was produced by Piper Aircraft between 1946-48. The PA-12 was an upgraded and redesignated Piper J-5.[2]
| PA-12 Super Cruiser | |
|---|---|
| PA-12 on skis | |
| General information | |
| Type | Personal use aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft |
| Status | Production completed |
| Primary user | private owners |
| Number built | 3760[1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1946-1948 |
| Introduction date | 1946 |
| First flight | 29 October 1945 |
| Developed from | Piper J-5 |
| Variants | Piper PA-14 Backcountry Super Cubs Supercruiser |
When Piper dropped the J- designation system in exchange for the PA- system, the J-5C became the PA-12 "Super Cruiser". The earlier J-5s had been powered by either a 100 hp (75 kW) Lycoming O-235 or a 75 hp (56 kW) Lycoming O-145. The newer PA-12 model was initially powered by a 108 hp (81 kW) Lycoming O-235-C engine, was fully cowled, and had a metal spar wing with two 19 gallon fuel tanks. A Lycoming O-235-C1 engine rated at 115 hp (86 kW) for takeoff was optional.[2][3]
The prototype NX41561 was converted from a J-5C and first flew from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, on 29 October 1945. The first production model followed on 22 February 1946 and quantity production continued until the last example of 3760 built was completed on 18 March 1948.[4]
The PA-12 is approved for wheels, skis, floats and also for crop spraying.[3]
Cockpit accommodation is provided for the pilot in the front seat and two passengers in the rear seat, side-by-side. Unlike the J-3 Cub the PA-12 is flown solo from the front seat.[2][3]
Many PA-12s have been modified with larger engines. Wing flaps and a metal-skin fuselage can be added as modifications.[3]
In 1947, two PA-12s, named City of Washington and City of the Angels, flew around the world. The worst mechanical failure they suffered was a cracked tailwheel. The City of Washington currently resides at the Boeing Aviation Hangar, part of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The City of the Angels is on display at the Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.[5]
PA-12s have been exported to a number of countries including Belgium, Canada, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Many PA-12s are still flown by private pilot owners and the type is commonly seen in North America. In November 2009 there were still 1688 registered in the US and 229 in Canada.[2][6][7]
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1948[10]
General characteristics
Performance
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