An aircraft "inspired by" the legendary Piper J-3 Cub is one of the early entrants in the race for the US light-sport aircraft market.
American Legend Aircraft flew the Legend Cub for the first time on 10 March, and plans to begin deliveries of the tandem two-seat aircraft in June or July. Although strongly resembling the tailwheel J-3, down to being available "in any colour you like as long as it's yellow with a black stripe", the Legend Cub incorporates several design improvements, says company president Tim Elliot.
The cabin is widened, with doors each side to improve access, all fuel is stored in the wing and power is provided by a 100hp (75kW) Textron Continental O-200. The aircraft is available with wheels or floats, straight or amphibian, says Elliot. Sulphur Springs, Texas-based American Legend is developing the Legend Cub for the "ready-to-fly" or special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) category, and expects a base price in the "mid-$60,000s", says Elliot.
Under the S-LSA category covering factory-built aircraft, the company will self-certificate the Legend Cub to consensus standards developed by ASTM and is gearing up to produce 100 aircraft a year from 2006 – up from the 30 originally planned.
Source: Flight International
