Shortly before the Culver Aircraft Company relocated from Port Columbus, Albert Mooney began developing an improved variant of the Dart. This new model was intended to retain the flight characteristics of its predecessor but was designed for a less powerful engine.
Initially designated the Culver Model-L, the aircraft made its first flight on December 2, 1939, in Port Columbus. However, serial production only commenced after the company moved to Wichita.
Overall, the new aircraft, which received the series designation Culver Cadet, was identical to the Dart. Unlike its predecessor, which featured a steel-tube welded fuselage frame, the Cadet boasted a wooden semi-monocoque fuselage and a tailwheel landing gear with retractable main gear.
Evolution and Engine Variants
The powerplant for the basic Cadet LCA featured a Continental A75-8 engine, delivering 75 horsepower (56 kW). The subsequent Cadet LFA modification, introduced in 1941, brought several enhancements and more modern equipment.
This LFA model was offered with options for either a Continental A80-8 or a Franklin 4AC-176-F3 engine, each producing 80 horsepower (60 kW). A specialized variant, the Cadet LFA-90, was also made available for special order and equipped with a Franklin 4AC-199-E3 engine capable of producing 90 horsepower (67 kW).
Wartime Impact and Transition
Cadet production volume surpassed that of the Dart but ceased almost immediately following the United States’ entry into World War II. Shortly before this, control of the company transferred to Walter Beech and his partner.
Under new ownership, production was reorganized and adapted for large-scale manufacturing of a Cadet variant specifically modified to meet military requirements.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Cadet LFA |
| Wingspan, m | 8.23 |
| Aircraft length, m | 5.38 |
| Aircraft height, m | 1.68 |
| Wing area, m2 | 11.15 |
| Empty weight | 366 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 592 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Franklin 4AC-176-F3 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 80 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 229 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 198 |
| Practical range, km | 805 |
| Service ceiling, m | 5180 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image gallery of the Culver Cadet
