The story
First flown in July 1939, the Cub Cruiser was a larger, more powerful J-3 with a wider fuselage, the pilot up front and a bench for two behind. Officially a three-seater, it is better described as a two-and-a-half-seater, because two adults are cramped in that back seat. Early J-5s from 1940 to early 1942 have external bungee cords on the landing gear. Those built from 1944 to 1946 carry changes from the Navy's HE-1 flying ambulance, including internal bungees. After the war the J-5C became the PA-12 Super Cruiser.
The Navy bought 100 as HE-1 flying ambulances, with the fuselage top hinged so a stretcher could be loaded in.
Quick answers
How do you identify a J-5 Cub Cruiser?
Reads as a J-3 Cub that has been fed: same high wing and Cub tail, but a noticeably wider fuselage, and with a passenger aboard you see the pilot's head up front and company behind. Check the landing gear: early Cruisers have their bungee shock cords outside the gear, late ones hide them inside. A J-5C has a fully cowled 100 hp Lycoming.
What does a J-5 Cub Cruiser sound like?
A steady 75 hp flat-four drone, deeper on the 100 hp J-5C.
How fast is the J-5 Cub Cruiser?
Top speed is 83 kts (96 mph, J-5B).
How many passengers does the J-5 Cub Cruiser carry?
Up to 2. A typical layout is Pilot in front, two-person bench behind.
How far can the J-5 Cub Cruiser fly?
Range is about 374 nmi (J-5B).
How big is the J-5 Cub Cruiser?
It is 22 ft 6 in long and 35 ft 6 in across the wings.
When did the J-5 Cub Cruiser first fly?
Its first flight was in July 1939.
How many J-5 Cub Cruisers have been built?
About 1,400 to 1,500 built.
How rare is a J-5 Cub Cruiser in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first J-5 Cub Cruiser catch is worth 25 points.
