Design Philosophy and Development
The LM-5 Super Cub emerged from Light Miniature Aircraft's ambitious goal to create a buildable replica that matched the full dimensions of the legendary Piper PA-18 Super Cub. Unlike scale models or reduced-size interpretations, the LM-5 series maintained the exact proportions and flight characteristics that made the original Super Cub famous among bush pilots and recreational aviators worldwide.
The design team offered builders flexibility in construction methods, providing plans for both aluminum and wooden airframe variants. The aluminum version, designated LM-5X, achieved an empty weight of 620 pounds with a gross weight capacity of 1,040 pounds. The wooden variant, known as the LM-5X-W, weighed 775 pounds empty and could operate at gross weights up to 1,275 pounds, reflecting the additional structural mass of traditional wood construction covered in doped aircraft fabric.
Engine Options and Performance
Power for the LM-5 series came from two distinct engine families, giving builders economic and performance options. The primary powerplant was the Rotax 582, a twin-cylinder two-stroke engine producing 64 horsepower at 6,800 rpm. This liquid-cooled engine became popular in the ultralight and light sport aircraft communities for its reliability and favorable power-to-weight ratio.
Alternatively, builders could install modified Volkswagen automotive engines, converted for aircraft use through various aftermarket suppliers. These air-cooled engines typically produced similar horsepower figures while offering the advantage of simpler cooling systems and potentially lower operating costs due to automotive parts availability.
The aircraft utilized a two-bladed wooden propeller, maintaining the classic appearance of the original Super Cub while providing efficient thrust conversion. Fuel capacity was limited to 12 US gallons, reflecting the aircraft's intended role as a local recreational machine rather than a long-range touring aircraft.
The Manufacturer's Journey
Light Miniature Aircraft operated from Okeechobee, Florida, throughout the 1990s and 2000s, serving the growing homebuilt aircraft market. The company's business model focused on providing comprehensive support to amateur builders through detailed plans, pre-cut kits, and complete component packages. This approach allowed builders to choose their level of involvement, from purchasing raw materials and following plans to assembling pre-manufactured components.
By 2007, more than 35 LM-5 aircraft had been completed by builders across the United States, representing a modest but dedicated community of Super Cub enthusiasts. The company maintained operations through 2010, when its website domain expired and business activities ceased. However, the design's appeal ensured its survival through Wicks Aircraft, which continued offering kits and components to maintain the LM-5's availability in the homebuilt market.
Construction and Builder Appeal
The LM-5 attracted builders seeking the authentic Super Cub experience without the substantial investment required for original Piper aircraft or factory-built replicas. The tandem seating arrangement preserved the classic Super Cub cockpit layout, with the pilot positioned in the rear seat for optimal weight and balance characteristics during solo flight operations.
Construction techniques varied between the aluminum and wooden variants, allowing builders to choose methods matching their skills and workshop capabilities. The aluminum version appealed to builders comfortable with metal fabrication and riveting techniques, while the wooden variant attracted traditional craftsmen preferring time-tested wood and fabric construction methods.
The 180 square feet of wing area provided excellent short-field performance characteristics, essential for recreational flying from smaller airstrips and private fields. The high-wing configuration offered inherent stability and excellent ground visibility, traits that made the original Super Cub legendary among backcountry pilots.
Legacy and Current Status
While Light Miniature Aircraft ceased operations in 2010, the LM-5 design continues serving the homebuilt community through continued kit availability from Wicks Aircraft. The aircraft represents a significant achievement in making classic aviation accessible to amateur builders, demonstrating that iconic designs can be successfully adapted for homebuilt construction without compromising their essential characteristics.
The LM-5 series stands as testimony to the enduring appeal of the Super Cub configuration, proving that even decades after the original's introduction, builders remain drawn to its combination of utility, simplicity, and flying qualities. Today's LM-5 aircraft continue flying from small airports and private strips, carrying forward the bush flying tradition in affordable, builder-constructed packages that honor the original Super Cub's legendary reputation.