PIPER L-21B SUPER CUB “ITALIAN” SENECA – N10365

AIRCRAFT COMMANDER: PAT HEMPEN

The L-21B Super Cub is a conversion of the civil Piper PA-18 Super Cub with increased canopy area and military equipment. It is the military designation of the Super Cub 135, powered by the 135 hp (101 kW) Avco Lycoming 0-290-D2 piston engine. The Piper PA-18 Super Cub is a two-seat, single-engine monoplane. Introduced in 1949 by Piper Aircraft Corporation, it was developed from the Piper PA-11, and traces its roots back through the J-3 Cub to the Taylor E-2 Cub of the 1930s. Over 10,000 were built in its nearly 40 years of production. Civilian Super Cubs are commonly used for bush flying and the towing of both gliders and banners.

This restored example served in the Italian Army until 1979 when it was returned to the United States. It was acquired by Air Heritage on June 1, 1987, and was totally restored back to its original Italian colors by the few dedicated members of Air Heritage Aviation Museum.

The Piper Super Cub L-21B Seneca (L-Bird) liaison plane is representative of the type of aircraft used to direct artillery fire, air strikes, and to scout for enemy troop movements. The light L-21B was used to transport personnel, as an air ambulance, and as a training aircraft for student pilots. This type of light utility aircraft was in service from WWII through the Vietnam War and has since been replaced by helicopters, satellites, and unpiloted drones.

The Piper Super Cub L-21B was primarily purchased under the Military Defense Assistance Program where it was used by Japan, Netherlands, and Italy and was designated the U-7A in 1962. Air Heritage Aviation Museum’s L-21B (Serial No. 54-2533) was built by Piper Aircraft Corporation in Lock Haven, PA. It was completed on December 9th, 1954, and was shipped to Italy under the Military Defense Assistance Program where it was flown by the Italian Army from the Viterbo Airbase as a forward air controller aircraft until 1979 when it was returned to the United States and declared as surplus. Acquired through the Pennsylvania Surplus Program, the L-21B was made available to Air Heritage Aviation Museum on June 1st, 1987. The long task of restoration was completed by the dedicated members of the museum in August 1993.

Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft Corp.
Designation: L-21B
Country of Origin: USA (Lock Haven, Pennsylvania)
Construction: Steel tube frame covered with fabric
Length: 22 ft. 4.5 in.
Height: 6 ft. 8.5 in.
Empty Weight: 900 lbs.
Top Speed: 127 mph (level flight)
Cruise Speed: 100 mph
Low Stall Speed: 38 mph
Engine: Lycoming O-290-D2
Engine Power: 135 HP
Takeoff: 200 ft. – Landing: 300 ft. (air strip)
Engine Type: 4-Cylinder air cooled opposed

The Air Heritage Aviation Museum Restoration Team Members (1987 – 1993) decided the aircraft should be restored back to its original Italian Army colors and markings to pay homage to its history.

Serial #'s

U.S. Military Serial # 54-2533
U.S. Civil Serial # 18-3733
U.S. N# N10365
Italian Military Serial # E.I. 235

L21-B Instrument Panel

History

You can gather from its name the Piper Super Cub is an improved version of the Piper J-3 Cub. The L-21B was primarily purchased under the Military Defense Assistance Program where it was used by Japan, Netherlands, and Italy and was designated the U-7A in 1962. The Air Heritage Museum L-21B (Serial No. 54-2533) was built by Piper Aircraft at Lock Haven, PA and was completed on December 9, 1954 and was shipped to Italy under the above mentioned plan where it was flown by the Italian Army from the Viterbo Airbase. After its service in Italy the Super Cub was returned to the United States in 1979, and declared surplus. Thanks to the Pennsylvania Surplus Program this aiecraft was made available to Air Heritage Museum. Our members loaded the L-21B on an ultra light trailer at the surplus facility in Harrisburg, PA on June 1,1987. The aircraft finally arrived at the Beaver County Airport where it was hangared in the Stenson hangar. After fabric stripping and some fuselage tubing repairs the long task of restoration began. The members got there first chance at rib stitching and fabric covering. The restoration was recovered back to its original Italian army colors. Having completed the terms of the Surplus Program this L-21B was signed over to Air Heritage on June 1, 1992. The restoration was completed in August 1993 when the Super Cub returned to the air.
A gratitude to all of those volunteers worked on, and supported this project

The Piper PA-18 Super Cub is a two seat, single engine monoplane. Introduced in 1949, developed from the Piper PA-11 and traces it’s lineage back to the J-3 Cub of the 1930’s, 9000 were built.

Crew Members