Piper
L-4 / O-59
Grasshopper
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Photo: Robert Deering 7/11/2004
Cavanaugh Flight Museum (ADS)

Addison, Texas
The L-4A, originally designated the O-59, was the military version of the famous Piper J3 Cub. The U.S. Army Air Forces ordered the first O-59s in 1941 for tests in conjunction with its growing interest in the use of light aircraft for liaison and observation duties in direct support of ground forces. Between 1941 and 1945, the USAAF procured almost 6,000 Piper Aircraft.

During World War II, Grasshoppers performed a wide variety of functions throughout the world such as artillery fire direction, pilot training, glider pilot instruction, courier service and front-line liaison.

Photo: Robert Deering 1981
Valley Airport (HRL)

Harlingen, Texas
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span: 35 ft. 3 in.
Length: 
22 ft. 5 in.
Height:   
6 ft. 8 inches
Empty Weight:  

Gross Weight: 
1,200 lbs. maximum
Crew:
Pilot plus one passenger
Maximum speed: 85 mph
Cruising speed:
75 mph
Range:
190 miles
Service ceiling:
9,300 ft.
Engines: Continental O-170 of 65 hp
   
SOURCE:  National Museum of the United States Air Force