|
|
|
|
L-4B Piper Cub Grasshopper Observation and Liaison Airplane The ubiquitous Piper L–4 " Cub" first entered Army service in 1941, when it was one of the three commercial light aircraft types selected for evaluation in the artillery observation and liaison roles. The Cub’s good short field performance and ease of maintenance made it an ideal machine to be the standard aircraft for artillery Battalions in the Army ground forces. Flown by Army artillery officers and NCOs, the "Grasshopper" soared above the front lines during WWII to provide artillery coverage for the Infantry. As the first aircraft to be flown by Army ground force pilots, rather than Air Corps pilots, the Piper Cub was the forerunner of the modern U.S. Army’s air arm. "Grasshoppers" first saw combat in the invasion of North Africa, when three Piper L–4’s flew off an aircraft carrier. Piper L–4’s were still in service during the early days of the Korean War. |
|
|
OUR AIRCRAFT
Serial No. 43–10189 |
 |
|
Accepted by the Army on 23
Feb 1943 at Fort Ord, CA from the manufacturer, Piper Aircraft
Corporation, this aircraft remained in the U.S. during WWII performing
training and liaison missions. In the late 1940’s, this aircraft was put
into long–term storage where it remained for over twenty years until it
was sold as surplus military equipment.
The aircraft was later obtained by Harold Miller, Sr. of Illinois who engaged Bobby Hopkins of Easton. MD to conduct a full restoration. The aircraft is restored as an exact replica of the famous WWII L–4B "Janey" flown by Capt. Dutch Schultz from the 1942 invasion of North Africa , Sicily, Anzio, the entire Italian Campaign, through the invasion of Southern France. During the Sicily Campaign, Capt. Schultz and "Janey" flew General George S Patton on a reconnaissance mission. During September of 1943 near Naples, Italy, a German ME–109 fighter made a low–level attempt to shot down Capt. Schultz and "Janey". Due to this low–level engagement and the high maneuverability of "Janey", the hunter became the prey when the ME–109 over flew the tight turning "Janey" and crashed into a hill. Dutch was credited by the witnessing 3 rd Division troops for downing this German Me–109 fighter. Dutch last saw "Janey" in May, 1945 on display beneath the Eiffel Tower during the Allies victory parade.In 1999, the quality and authenticity of the restoration work of our "Janey" was recognized at the famous Sun N Fun Air Show at Lakeland, FL when the aircraft was awarded the coveted "Best Liaison Aircraft". The aircraft is owned by Michael J. Brady of Peachtree City, GA and operated by the AAHF. |
|
Specifications |
| Crew: 2 Pilots or pilot and Artillery
Observer
Engine: Continental 0–170–3 (civilian A–65–8) Speed: 73 MPH (maximum) Range: 164 miles Armament: None normally fitted. But as Army Aviation’s first attack aircraft, Piper Cubs were fitted with 3 Bazookas fitted under each wing. |
