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The PA-18 Super Cub was a strengthened PA-11, itself a modification of the original J-3 Cub. With only a few minor changes and a 150-horsepower engine, the PA-18 still looked like a Cub, although it came in several paint schemes and lacked the familiar bear logo on its tail. About 8,500 Super Cubs were built at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and they proved popular as private and utility aircraft and as military trainers.

The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) used this Super Cub in its uranium exploration program in the West during the 1950s. The rough and sometimes inaccessible terrain made an airborne survey a logical choice, and the AEC's fleet of 10 low, slow, and inexpensive Super Cubs maintained an enviable record of safety and reliability. A scintillation counter used to detect gamma radiation is in the rear of the airplane.

Display Status

This object is on display in World War II Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

World War II Aviation
Object Details
Date 1946 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Aircraft Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp.
Physical Description General aviation high-wing monoplane; red and cream with a Lycoming O-320, 150 hp engine. Dimensions Wingspan: 10.7 m (35 ft 2 in)
Length: 6.8 m (22 ft 4 in)
Height: 2 m (6 ft 8 in)
Weight, empty: 360 kg (790 lb)
Weight, gross: 680 kg (1,500 lb)
Top speed: 206 km/h (128 mph)
Engine: Lycoming O-320, 150 hp
Materials Fuselage: steel tube with fabric cover
Inventory Number A19761155000 Credit Line Transferred from the Atomic Energy Commission Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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