Piper Aircraft L-4 Grasshopper

05 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

This aircraft is a military version of the Piper J-3 Cub, recognized easily by the high wing, tandem seating, and wartime livery. The invasion stripes and serial number style indicate it is operated as a tribute to its historic WWII service.

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Aircraft

L-4 Grasshopper L-4

US WWII Army Air Forces olive drab with invasion stripes

Airline

Military (historic US WWII livery)

Manufacturer

Piper Aircraft

Insights

Aviation History

The Piper L-4 Grasshopper served as a primary liaison, observation, and reconnaissance aircraft for the US Army in WWII; famed for its role in artillery spotting during D-Day and European campaigns.

Fleet Rarity

Rare in active service; mostly preserved by warbird operators and museums.

Record Flights

Highly maneuverable and able to operate from rough fields, the L-4 conducted daring low-level reconnaissance and forward air control missions during WWII.

Safety & Events

Notable for flying ahead of advancing Allied troops, landing in fields and on highways, and often under fire during WWII. Some were even equipped with bazookas for anti-tank operations.

Future Outlook

Primarily preserved in museums or flown by private collectors/warbird enthusiasts worldwide.

Specifications

Continental O-170 (A65) piston engine

Engine

10.74 meters

Wingspan

6.83 meters

Length

354 km

Range

136 km/h

Speed

2 (pilot + observer)

Capacity

555 kg

MTOW

2.01 meters

Height

65 hp (48 kW)

Thrust

Not formally rated (pre-ICAO standards); generally low due to small piston engine

Noise

Registration not visible; exact identity of the frame cannot be confirmed. Most technical specs based on standard L-4 type.