Replica Piper J-3 Cub

Replica Piper J-3 Cub: The Timeless Yellow Legend

The Piper J-3 Cub is arguably the most famous light aircraft ever built. While originals are now expensive collector’s items, the Replica J-3 Cub allows homebuilders to recreate the magic of 1930s aviation in their own garage. It is the definition of “stick and rudder” flying. Whether built from a kit (like the Wag-Aero) or from plans, it captures the romance of a bygone era where flying was about the wind in your face and a grass strip under your wheels.

Why Is It a Legend?

• The “Cub Yellow” Icon: It is the most recognized airplane silhouette in the world. Building a replica means you aren’t just building a plane; you are building a piece of history that makes everyone smile when they see it.

• Classic Construction: Just like the 1938 original, high-quality replicas are built with a welded 4130 steel tube fuselage and wood or aluminum wing spars, all covered in doped aircraft fabric. It is a proven, durable structure that teaches traditional building skills.

• The Art of Taildragging: It is the ultimate trainer. It teaches you to use your feet (rudder) and creates excellent pilots. Flying a Cub solo from the rear seat with the door open is widely considered one of the purest experiences in aviation.

• Simple Economy: It doesn’t need a big engine. With a classic Continental 65 hp engine, it sips fuel. It is simple to maintain, with no flaps, no complex hydraulics, and no retractable gear to worry about.

Performance and Key Numbers
The Cub is famous for being slow. As the saying goes: “It takes off at 60, flies at 60, and lands at 60.” It isn’t a cross-country hauler; it’s a sunset cruiser.

General Specifications:

• Crew: 1 pilot + 1 passenger (Tandem seating – Solo usually flown from rear)

• Wingspan: 35 ft 3 in (10.74 m)

• Length: 22 ft 5 in (6.83 m)

• Wing Area: 178.5 sq ft (16.58 m²)

• Empty Weight: 765 lb (345 kg)

• Max Takeoff Weight: 1,220 lb (550 kg)

• Useful Load: 455 lb (205 kg)

• Typical Engine Power: 65 hp (Continental A-65 is the standard classic)

Performance:

• Cruise Speed: 75 mph (121 km/h)

• Maximum Speed: 87 mph (140 km/h)

• Stall Speed: Approx. 38 mph (61 km/h)

• Rate of Climb: 450 ft/min (2.3 m/s)

• Service Ceiling: 11,500 ft (3,500 m)

• Fuel Consumption: 4 – 4.5 gallons per hour (15 – 17 L/h)

• Range: Approx. 220 miles (354 km)

In short, the Replica Piper J-3 Cub is the perfect choice if you want to own the most classic airplane in history, love the challenge of traditional tube-and-fabric construction, and believe that the best flight is a slow patrol over the countryside with the door wide open.