GRASSHOPPER Series
Due to the wide variety of variants and high production numbers, this
database is limited to military production only and does not cover the
civil or foreign development of this light aircraft type.
The L-2 is based on the civil Taylorcraft Model B and D.
The L-3 is based on the civil Aeronca Model 65 Chief / Defender and
Model 7BC / 7EC Champion.
The L-4 is based on the civil Piper Models J-3 Cub, J-4 Cub Coupe,
J-5 Cub Cruiser, PA-11 Cub Special and PA-18 Super Cub.
The L-6 is based on the civil Interstate Model S-1 Cadet.
GRASSHOPPER Series SERVICE
Taylorcraft L-2 Grasshopper
| Manufacturer: | Taylorcraft Aviation Corp., Alliance, Ohio, USA |
| Models: | Model B, D, ST-100 |
| Designations: | L-2; C-95, O-57, TG-6, TG-33, LNT |
| Name: | Grasshopper |
| First official flight: | (YO-57) 1941 |
| Factory production period: | 1941 - 1944 |
| Primary service period: | 1941 - ? |
| Last official flight: | ? |
Aeronca L-3 Grasshopper
| Manufacturer: | The Aeronca Aircraft Corp., Middletown, Ohio, USA |
| Models: | Model 65, 7BC, 7EC |
| Designations: | L-3; L-16, O-58, TG-5, LNR |
| Name: | Grasshopper |
| First official flight: | (YO-58) 1941 |
| Factory production period: | 1941 - ? |
| Primary service period: | 1941 - ? |
| Last official flight: | ? |
Piper L-4 Grasshopper
| Manufacturer: | The Piper Aircraft Corp., Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Models: | Model J-3, J-4, J-5, PA-11, PA-18 |
| Designations: | L-4; C-83, L-14, L-18, L-21, O-59, TG-8, U-7, AE, HE, LNP, NE |
| Names: | Grasshopper; Cub (L-18), Super Cub (L-18, L-21) |
| First official flight: | (YO-59) 1941 |
| Factory production period: | 1941 - ? |
| Primary service period: | 1941 - ? |
| Last official flight: | ? |
Interstate L-6 Grasshopper
| Manufacturer: | Interstate Aircraft & Engineering Corp., El Segundo, California, USA |
| Model: | Model S-1 |
| Designations: | L-6; L-8, O-63 |
| Name: | Grasshopper |
| First official flight: | (XO-63) 1942 |
| Factory production period: | 1942 - ? |
| Primary service period: | 1942 - ? |
| Last official flight: | ? |
GRASSHOPPER Series VARIANTS
Taylorcraft L-2 Grasshopper
| 1941 | Model D | YO-57 (L-2) | 4 | |
| 1941 | Model D | O-57 (L-2) | 20 | |
| 1941 | Model D | O-57A (L-2A) | 476 | |
| 1942 | Model D | L-2B | 490 | |
| 1942 | Model D | L-2M | 900 | |
| 1943 | Model ST-100 | TG-6 | 253 | |
| 1943 | Model D | LNT-1 | 25 | Grand Total: 2168 |
Aeronca L-3 Grasshopper
| 1941 | Model 65TC | YO-58 (L-3) | 4 | |
| 1941 | Model 65 | O-58 (L-3) | 50 | |
| 1941 | Model 65 | O-58A (L-3A) | 20 | |
| 1941 | Model 65 | O-58B (L-3B) | 875 | |
| 1942 | Model 65 | L-3C | 490 | |
| 1942 | Model 65 | TG-5 | 250 | Total: 1689 |
| 1947 | Model 7BC | L-16A | 509 | |
| 1948 | Model 7EC | L-16B | 100 | Total: 0609 |
|
Grand Total: 2298 |
Piper L-4 Grasshopper
| 1941 | Model J-3C-65 | YO-59 (L-4) | 4 | |
| 1941 | Model J-3C-65 | O-59 (L-4) | 40 | |
| 1941 | Model J-3C-65 | O-59A (L-4A) | 948 | |
| 1942 | Model J-3C-65 | L-4B | 980 | |
| 1943 | Model J-3C-65 | L-4H | 1801 | |
| 1944 | Model J-3C-65 | L-4J | 1680 | |
| 1942 | Model J-3C-65 | TG-8 | 250 | |
| 1942 | Model J-5C | HE-1 | 100 | |
| 1942 | Model J-3C-65 | NE-1 | 230 | |
| 1942 | Model J-3C-65 | NE-2 | 20 | Total: 6053 |
| 1945 | Model J-3C-65 | YL-14 | 5 | |
| 1945 | Model J-3C-65 | L-14 | 8 | |
| 1949 | Model PA-11 | L-18B | 105 | |
| 1949 | Model PA-18 | L-18C | 839 | |
| 1951 | Model PA-18 | YL-21 | 2 | |
| 1952 | Model PA-18 | L-21A | 150 | |
| 1953 | Model PA-18 | L-21B | 584 | |
| 1951 | Model J-5A | L-4F | 6 | Total: 1699 |
|
Grand Total: 7752 |
Interstate L-6 Grasshopper
| 1942 | Model S-1-B | XO-63 (XL-6) | 1 | |
| 1943 | Model S-1-B1 | L-6 | 250 | |
| ? | Model S-1-A | L-8A | 8 | Grand Total: 0259 |
|
GRAND TOTAL: 12477 |
L-2 PRODUCTION
YO-57
Prototype single-engined, 2-seater
observation aircraft for the US Army.
Later redesignated as O-57, then L-2.
Produced
Taylorcraft Alliance, Ohio
| 42-452 / 42-455 | ? | 4 | Total: 0004 |
O-57
As YO-57, minor changes.
Redesignated as L-2 in 1942.
Produced
Taylorcraft Alliance, Ohio
| 42-7773 / 42-7792 | ? | 20 | Total: 0020 |
O-57A
As O-57, modified cabin / wings.
Redesignated as L-2A in 1942.
Produced
Taylorcraft Alliance, Ohio (TA)
| 42-15073 / 42-15158 | ? | ||
| 42-35825 / 42-36074 | ? | ||
| 42-38498 / 42-38537 | ? | ||
| 43-25754 / 43-25853 | ? | 476 | Total: 0476 |
L-2B
As L-2A, equipment upgrade.
Produced
Taylorcraft Alliance, Ohio (TA)
| 43-001 / 43-490 | ? | 490 | Total: 0490 |
L-2M
As L-2A, modified engine cowlings,
wing spoilers.
Produced
Taylorcraft Alliance, Ohio (TA)
| 43-25854 / 43-26753 | ? | 900 | Total: 0900 |
TG-6
As L-2, 3-seater training-glider version
with modified cabin in place of engine.
Produced
Taylorcraft Alliance, Ohio (TA)
| 42-58561 / 42-58810 - 7 to USN as XLNT-1, BuNo. 67800 / 67806. |
? | ||
|
43-12496 / 43-12498 - 3 to USN as XLNT-1, BuNo. 36428 / 36430. |
? | 253 | Total: 0253 |
LNT-1
As TG-6, version for US Navy.
Produced
Taylorcraft Alliance, Ohio (T)
| BuNo.87763 / 87787 | ? | 25 | Total: 0025 |
|
Grand Total: 2168 |
L-2 CONVERSIONS
US Army
| 1942, civil aircraft impressed from commercial / private owners: | |||
| (Model DC65) | L-2C Assigned s/n: 43-2860, 43-2862 / 43-2866, 43-2868 / 43-2873, 43-2901. |
13 | |
| (Model DL65) | L-2D Assigned s/n: 43-2902. |
1 | |
| (Model DF65) | L-2E Assigned s/n: 43-2859, 43-2861, 43-2867, 43-2890 / 43-2892, 43-2903 / 43-2906. |
10 | |
| (Model BL65) | L-2F Assigned s/n: 42-79556, 43-2881 / 43-2883, 43-2889, 43-2893, 43-2908. - First s/n originally designated UC-95. |
7 | |
| (Model BFT65) | L-2G Assigned s/n: 43-2888, 43-2907. |
2 | |
| (Model BC12-65) | L-2H Assigned s/n: 43-2874, 43-2879, 43-2880, 43-2885, 43-2886, 43-2895 / 43-2897, 43-2900. |
9 | |
| (Model BL12-65) | L-2J Assigned s/n: 43-2875 / 43-2877, 43-2898, 43-2899. |
5 | |
| (Model BF12-65) | L-2K Assigned s/n: 43-2878, 43-2884, 43-2887, 43-2894. |
4 | |
| (Model BF50) | L-2L Assigned s/n: 42-79559. |
1 | Total: 52 |
| XTG-33 |
1 |
TG-6, 1945, prototype with prone station for pilot. |
L-3 PRODUCTION
YO-58
Prototype single-engined, 2-seater
observation aircraft for the US Army.
Later redesignated as O-58, then L-3.
Produced
Aeronca Middletown, Ohio
| 42-456 / 42-459 | ? | 4 | Total: 0004 |
O-58
As YO-58, minor changes.
Redesignated as L-3 in 1942.
Produced
Aeronca Middletown, Ohio
| 43-2809 / 43-2858 | ? | 50 | Total: 0050 |
O-58A
As O-58, wider fuselage, larger windows.
Redesignated as L-3A in 1942.
Produced
Aeronca Middletown, Ohio
| 42-7793 / 42-7812 | ? | 20 | Total: 0020 |
O-58B
As O-58A, equipment upgrade.
Redesignated as L-3B in 1942.
Produced
Aeronca Middletown, Ohio (AE)
| 42-14713 / 42-14797 | ? | ||
| 42-36075 / 42-36324 | ? | ||
| 42-38458 / 42-38497 | ? | ||
| 43-26754 / 43-27253 | ? | 875 | Total: 0875 |
L-3C
As L-3B, no radio. Original
s/n: 42-60281 / 42-60770.
Produced
Aeronca Middletown, Ohio (AE)
| 43-1471 / 43-1960 | ? | 490 | Total: 0490 |
TG-5
As L-3, 3-seater training-glider version
with modified cabin in place of engine.
Produced
Aeronca Middletown, Ohio (AE)
|
42-57229 / 42-57478 - 3 to USN as XLNR-1, BuNo. 36422 / 36424. |
? | 250 | Total: 0250 |
| 3 (43-12493 / 43-12495), additional airframes cancelled. | |||
L-16A
As L-3, post-WWII version with
engine upgrade, minor changes
for the USAAF.
Produced
Aeronca Middletown, Ohio (AE)
| 47-788 / 47-1296 | ? | 509 | Total: 0509 |
L-16B
As L-16A, engine upgrade,
dorsal fin.
Produced
Aeronca Middletown, Ohio (AE)
| 48-424 / 48-523 | ? | 100 |
Total: 0100 |
|
Grand Total: 2298 |
L-3 CONVERSIONS
US Army
|
1942, civil aircraft impressed from commercial / private owners: Assigned s/n within block: 43-2809 / 43-2858, but most not taken up. 1 impressed L-3F assigned s/n: 42-78044. |
|||
| (Model 65TF) | L-3D | 11 | |
| (Model 65TC) | L-3E | 12 | |
| (Model 65CA) | L-3F | 20 | |
| (Model 65TL) | L-3G | 4 | |
| (Model 65TL) | L-3H | 1 | |
| (Model 65TC) | L-3J | 1 | Total: 49 |
| XTG-5 |
4 |
Prototype trainer-glider conversions, cancelled. |
L-4 PRODUCTION
YO-59
Prototype single-engined, 2-seater
observation aircraft for the US Army.
Later redesignated as O-59, then L-4.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
| 42-460 / 42-463 | ? | 4 | Total: 0004 |
O-59
As YO-59, minor changes.
Redesignated as L-4 in 1942.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
| 42-7813 / 42-7852 | ? | 40 | Total: 0040 |
O-59A
As O-59, larger windows.
Redesignated as L-4A in 1942.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 42-15159 / 42-15329 | 8278 / 8448 | ||
| 42-36325 / 42-36824 | 8449 / 8948 | ||
| 42-38380 / 42-38457 | 8949 / 9026 | ||
| 43-29048 / 43-29246 | 10339 / 10537 | 948 | Total: 0948 |
L-4B
As L-4A, no radio.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 43-491 / 43-1470 | 9676 / 10291 ?? | 980 | Total: 0980 |
L-4H
As L-4B, euipment upgrade,
fixed-pitch prop.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 43-29247 / 43-30547 | 10538 / 11838 | ||
| 44-79545 / 44-80044 | 11841 / 12340 | 1801 | Total: 1801 |
L-4J
As L-4H, variable-pitch prop.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 44-80045 / 44-80844 | 12341 / 13140 | ||
| 45-4401 / 45-5200 | 13141 / 13940 | ||
| 45-55175 / 45-55254 | 13941 / 14020 | 1680 | Total: 1680 |
| 270 additional airframes cancelled. | |||
TG-8
As L-4, 3-seater training-glider version
with modified cabin in place of engine.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
|
43-3009 / 43-3258 - 3 to USN as XLNP-1, BuNo. 36425 / 36427. |
G1 / G250 | 250 | Total: 0250 |
| 3 (43-12499 / 43-12501), additional airframes cancelled. | |||
HE-1
As L-4, Hospital version for
US Navy, engine upgrade,
hinged upper fuselage cover
for stretcher requirement.
Redesignated as AE-1 in 1942.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (E)
| BuNo.30197 / 30296 | ? | 100 | Total: 0100 |
NE-1
As L-4, US Navy trainer version
with dual controls.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (E)
| BuNo.26196 / 26425 | ? | 230 | Total: 0230 |
NE-2
As NE-1, equipment upgrade.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (E)
| BuNo.29669 / 29688 | ? | 20 | Total: 0020 |
| 10 additional airframes cancelled. | |||
YL-14
As L-4, prototype 3-seater version,
engine upgrade.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 45-55525 / 45-55529 | ? | 5 | Total: 0005 |
L-14
As YL-14, minor changes.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 45-55530 / 45-55537 | ? | 8 | Total: 0008 |
| 837 additional airframes cancelled. | |||
L-18A - Development of the L-4J for export, no orders.
L-18B Cub
Military export version of the Model
PA-11 Cub Special for Turkish Army.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 49-2774 / 49-2878 | 11-1249 / 11-1353 | 105 | Total: 0105 |
L-18C Super Cub
Military version of the Model PA-18
Super Cub for the US Army. 243
also used in civil flying schools
with civil registrations.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 50-1745 / 50-1812 | 18-401 / 18-468 | ||
| 51-15272 / 51-15329 | 18-969 / 18-1026 | ||
| 51-15330 / 51-15653 | 18-1330 / 18-1653 | ||
| 52-2376 / 52-2539 | 18-1976 / 18-2139 | ||
| 53-4665 / 53-4848 | 18-3065 / 18-3248 | ||
| 54-719 / 54-758 | 18-3419 / 18-3458 | ||
|
55-4749 - Designated as PA-11 Super Cub. |
? | 839 | Total: 0839 |
YL-21 Super Cub
PA-18 Super Cub for US Army
evaluation.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 51-6495, 51-6496 | ? | 2 | Total: 0002 |
L-21A Super Cub
As YL-21, engine upgrade.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 51-15654 / 51-15803 | ? | 150 | Total: 0150 |
L-21B Super Cub
As L-21A, engine upgrade.
Redesignated as U-7A in 1962.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 52-6220 / 52-6294 | 18-2520 / 18-2594 | ||
|
53-3738 / 53-3784 - 47 to Japan. |
18-2738 / 18-2784 | ||
| 53-4849 / 53-4877 | 18-3249 / 18-3277 | ||
|
53-7718 / 53-7779 - 62 to Italy. |
18-3318 / 18-3379 | ||
| 54-2309 / 54-2663 | 18-3509 / 18-3863 | ||
| 54-2826 / 54-2835 | 18-4226 / 18-4235 | ||
| 55-4578 / 55-4581 | ? | ||
| 61-2928, 61-2929 | ? | 584 | Total: 0584 |
L-4F
As impressed L-4F, export version.
Produced
Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PI)
| 51-16086 / 51-16091 | ? | 6 | Total: 0006 |
|
Grand Total: 7752 |
L-4 CONVERSIONS
US Army
| ZL-4A | 1+ | L-4A, 1948, redesignation as obsolete. |
| 1942, civil aircraft impressed from commercial / private owners: | |||
| (Model J-3L-65) | L-4C Assigned s/n: 42-79557, 42-79558. - These 2 originally designated as UC-83A. 43-2923, 43-2925, 43-2927, 43-2932, 43-2959, 43-2967. |
8 | |
| (Model J-3F-65) | L-4D Assigned s/n: 43-2914, 43-2924, 43-2992, 43-2995, 43-2996. |
5 | |
| (Model J-4E) | L-4E Assigned s/n: 42-79555, 43-2941, 43-2954 / 43-2958, 43-2973, 43-2974, 43-2989, 43-2990, 43-3003 / 43-3008. - First s/n originally designated UC-83B. |
17 | |
| (Model J-5A) | L-4F Assigned s/n: 42-79551 / 42-79554. - These 4 originally designated UC-83. 42-57507, 42-107425, 43-2909, 43-2911, 43-2912, 43-2915 / 43-2920, 43-2922, 43-2926, 43-2930, 43-2931, 43-2934, 43-2935, 43-2937 / 43-2939, 43-2947, 43-2949, 43-2952, 43-2953, 43-2964 / 43-2966, 43-2968 / 43-2970, 43-2978, 43-2980, 43-2991, 43-2999 / 43-3002, 44-52988. |
42 | |
| (Model J-5B) | L-4G Assigned s/n: 43-2910, 43-2913, 43-2921, 43-2928, 43-2929, 43-2933, 43-2936, 43-2940, 43-2942 / 43-2946, 43-2948, 43-2950, 43-2951, 43-2963, 43-2971, 43-2972, 43-2975 / 43-2977, 43-2979, 43-2981 / 43-2988, 43-2994, 43-2997, 43-2998. 7 more were also impressed without s/n. |
41 | Total: 113 |
| ZL-4K | 1+ | L-4J, 1948, redesignation as obsolete. |
| TL-21A | 1+ | L-21A, trainer conversions. |
Foreign Conversions
| Cub Mk. I |
5 |
L-4B, 1943, delivered to RAF for
evaluation. Assigned RAF s/n: FR886 / FR889 (later: HK936 / HK939), VM286. |
L-6 PRODUCTION
XO-63
Prototype single-engined, 2-seater
observation aircraft for the US Army.
Redesignated as XL-6 in 1942.
Produced
Interstate El Segundo, California
| 42-15895 | ? | 1 | Total: 0001 |
L-6
As XL-6, minor changes.
Produced
Interstate El Segundo, California (IN)
| 43-2559 / 43-2808 | ? | 250 | Total: 0250 |
L-8A
As L-6, export version for Bolivia,
engine upgrade.
Produced
Interstate El Segundo, California (IN)
| 42-88658 / 42-88665 | ? | 8 | Total: 0008 |
|
Grand Total: 0259 |
FOREIGN MILITARY / CIVILIAN SERVICE
- Many L-Bird aircraft sold to foreign armed forces both as new built or as
second-hand from US stocks.
- Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd. was set up in the UK in 1938
and produced the L-2 as the Auster (1942, 2136 built) light observation
aircraft. The company became Auster Aircraft Ltd. from 1946 and
continued in the aviation business up to 1962.
- Many L-Birds sold on the civil market to private owners as Warbirds.