Backcountry PA-12 Super Cruiser
The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser is a stretched, side-by-side or extended version of the classic Cub family, built with a wider cabin and greater payload than the original tandem-seat J-3 Cub. Its extra capacity made it useful for carrying more passengers or cargo than a basic Cub could manage. Many were used by bush pilots for utility work in remote areas where load-carrying capability mattered as much as short-field performance. It remains a favourite among vintage and backcountry aviation enthusiasts today.
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Did you know?
The PA-12 Super Cruiser widened the classic Cub cabin for extra payload, making it a favourite among bush pilots hauling cargo.
Specifications
| Length | 7 m (23 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 10.8 m (35 ft) |
| Height | 2 m (7 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 2 |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 0.8 t |
| Range | 521 NM (965 km) |
| Maximum speed | 91 kt (169 km/h) |
| Stall speed | 43 kt (80 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 12,600 ft (3,840 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 10,000 ft (3,048 m) |
| Rate of climb | 510 ft/min (2.6 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 146 m (479 ft) |
| Landing distance | 150 m (492 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 110 l |
| Engines | Lycoming O-235-C |
| Units built | 3,760 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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