The Piper 18 Super Cub is a two-seat, single-engine, light aircraft that was first introduced in 1949. It was designed by Piper Aircraft and manufactured in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. The Super Cub was originally known as the “Cub Special” and was initially introduced as a more powerful and luxurious version of the original J-3 Cub.

Piper decided to manufacture the Super Cub in order to meet the needs of the increasing number of pilots that were looking for a higher performance aircraft than the original J-3 Cub. The Super Cub featured an improved engine, more powerful brakes, and a larger fuel tank for increased range.

The Super Cub has been a popular choice for pilots over the years, with over 9,000 aircraft being produced from 1949 to 1994. It is still in production today, with over 400 aircraft being produced in 2020 alone. The Super Cub is commonly used for recreational flying and aerial photography, as well as bush flying, skydiving, and glider towing.

The Super Cub has had issues with safety over time, most notably with its engine. The original Lycoming O-235 engine was prone to issues such as cylinder cracking and exhaust valve sticking. As a result, many Super Cubs have been retrofitted with more reliable engines, such as the Lycoming O-320 and O-360.

The Piper Super Cub has also been praised for its innovations, particularly in terms of its design. The aircraft features a rugged and simple design that is easy to maintain and repair. It also incorporates a number of new technologies, such as its all-metal construction, a tricycle landing gear, and an electric starter.

The Piper Super Cub is a unique aircraft that stands out from other light aircraft due to its rugged design and its ability to operate in rugged environments. It is a versatile aircraft that is capable of performing a variety of tasks, from recreational flying to aerial photography. The Super Cub has also been praised for its reliability and safety, despite having had some safety issues in the past.