I found out today that Piper continued to get the aluminum he needed during WWII to continue with aluminum ribs and instrument panels on the L-4 while Aeronca was denied the necessary aluminum and had to change to wood ribs and wood instrument panels during WWII. I could not believe it when I found a factory drawing for a L-3C instrument panel with material notation of wood. Only the early production models of the L-3 had metal ribs.
The only reason I have been able to find was that Mr. Piper had political connections and was able to continue to get aluminum for the duration of the war. The metal (strategic material) restriction was also evident in the large amount of wood that is used in the L-3B and L-3C extended greenhouses while the Piper L-4 is metal. One other reason may have been the large production contract numbers Piper was awarded once the L-4 had been picked as the plane of choice and was designated to serve a combat role while the L-3s were relegated mostly to stateside duty and training.
You just have to love the history on these old L-birds.
The only reason I have been able to find was that Mr. Piper had political connections and was able to continue to get aluminum for the duration of the war. The metal (strategic material) restriction was also evident in the large amount of wood that is used in the L-3B and L-3C extended greenhouses while the Piper L-4 is metal. One other reason may have been the large production contract numbers Piper was awarded once the L-4 had been picked as the plane of choice and was designated to serve a combat role while the L-3s were relegated mostly to stateside duty and training.
You just have to love the history on these old L-birds.
