Piper PA 12

Development

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.

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.

The PA-12 is approved for wheels, skis, floats and also for crop spraying.

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.

Operational use

Many PA-12s have been modified with larger engines. Wing flaps and a metal-skin fuselage can be added as modifications.

In 1947, two PA-12s named City of Washington and City of Angels flew around the world, and 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, VA. The City of Angels is on display at the Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven, PA.

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 USA and 229 in Canada.

Variants

PA-12

Original model type certified 24 March 1947, with a gross weight of 1,750 lb (794 kg) in the Normal Category and 1,500 lb (680 kg) in the Utility Category

PA-12S

Second model type certified 11 August 1948, with 1,838 lb (834 kg) gross weight, Normal Category only The PA-12S Seaplane variant was fitted with the 135 hp (101 kW) Lycoming O-290-D2 engine to improve take-off performance.

Specifications (PA-12)

General characteristics

Crew: one, pilot

Capacity: two passengers

Length: 22 ft 10 in (6.96 m)

Wingspan: 35 ft 5.5 in (10.81 m)

Height: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)

Empty weight: 950 lbs (432 kg)

Max. takeoff weight: 1,750 lbs (795 kg)

* Propellor Diameter: 76 in (1.93 m)

Wing Chord: 63 in (1.60 m)

Baggage Capacity: 41 lb (18.7 kg)

Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-235 4-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

Cruise speed: 91 knots (105 mph, 169 km/h)

Stall speed: 42 knots (49 mph, 79 km/h)

Range: 521 nm (600 mi, 965 km)

Service ceiling: 12,600 ft (3,840 m)

Rate of climb: 600 ft/min (3.05 m/s) at sea level

Wing loading: 9.8 lb/ft² (47.9 kg/m²)

Power/mass: 17.5 lb/hp (10.74 kg/kW)

Min. Take-off Run: 720 ft (220 m)

Min. Landing Roll: 470 ft (143 m)