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United States' Piper Grasshopper liaison

Photos

Piper L-59 Grasshopper liaison:
United States' Piper L-59 Grasshopper liaison
Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook 		Piper L-59 Grasshopper liaison:
United States' Piper L-59 Grasshopper liaison
Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook 		   
Piper L-4 Grasshopper liaison:
United States' Piper L-4 Grasshopper liaison		      

Design

The Piper Grasshopper was based on the civilian Piper Cub.1,2

The Piper Grasshopper was used as a liaison and artillery spotter.1

The Grasshopper had high wings.1 The covering was fabric.1

Prototype

Production

  • Total: 5,0001

Variants

  • L-4:
  • L-59:

Usage

During the Army maneuvers in 1941 the Grasshopper was first used.1 It was to be used in all theaters of operation.1

Specifications

  Piper L-4 Grasshopper Piper L-59 Grasshopper
Type Liaison1 Liaison2
Crew 21  
Engine (Type) Continental O-170-31 1: Continental A-652
Cylinders 41 Horizontal opposed2
Cooling Air1 Air2
HP 651 652
Propeller blades 2 wood1  
Dimensions    
Span 35' 3"1 35' 2"2
Length 22'1 22' 5"2
Height 6' 8"1 6' 8"2
Wing area    
Weight    
Empty    
Loaded 1,220 lb1  
Performance    
Speed 85 mph1 87 mph2
Landing speed   35 mph2
Climb    
Service ceiling 9,300'1  
Range 190 miles1 200 miles2
Armament None1  

Sources:

  1. World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
  2. Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook, Ensign L. C. Guthman, 1943