4
Introduction & History
“The end of World War II saw the resumption of private aircraft manufacture and the
Piper Aircraft Company, already well known for the J-3 Cub and the J-5 Cruiser, began
production of improved models of these aircraft. These were the Piper PA-11 Cub
Special and the Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser. Walter Jamoneau, who was head of the
engineering department at Piper for many years, modified the J-5 into the PA-12. Test
flights were made in December 1945, and the first production version of the aircraft
appeared in February 1946.”
“The original J-5 series were fabric-covered, three-place, high-wing monoplanes, initially
powered by 75-hp Lycoming engines, and later by 90-hp Lycomings. The PA-12 was
also fabric-covered, over a welded metal tubular frame and wooden wing spars, and
featured a Lycoming O-235-C engine, fully cowled. Later models of the PA-12 had as
optional equipment a slightly more powerful engine. Standard features on the PA-12
included an electric starter, navigation lights, and a cabin heater. The Piper PA-12
Super Cruiser was used in a number of roles, from private pleasure flying to light cargo
carrying and many are still flying. It was also successful in the export market.”
Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft Corp.
Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 10.8 m (35 ft 5 in)
Length: 6.86 m (22 ft 6 in)
Height: 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in)
Weight, empty: 454 kg (1,000 lb)
Weight, gross: 793 kg (1,750 lb)
Top Speed: 184 km/h (115 mph)
Engine: Lycoming O-235-C, 100 hp
Materials:
Fuselage: steel tube with fabric cover
Physical Description:
Single engine, two seat, high wing, monoplane, [cream] and red, first light aircraft to fly around the world
(Source: Online, NASM, http://www.nasm.si.edu/ , Jan 3, 2009) Search “Piper Super Cruiser” at the
following link: http://www.nasm.si.edu/
