Originally designed as the Luton L.A.5 Major by C.H. Latimer-Needham in 1939, intended to be a production airplane for the trainer market, the prototype G-AFMU first flew just before WWII, making it among the last and most modern aircraft to come from the classic era of aviation.
In 1943 a fire destroyed the factory and the prototype, leaving only the plans which were slightly damaged. The Luton Major L.A.5 was then updated by Latimer-Needham and A.W.J.G Ord-Hume and was sold as plans for the home built market. Latimer-Needham and Mr Ord-Hume were and are highly accomplished gentleman, both engineers and authors who have made significant contributions to both certified and experimental aviation. No other home built aircraft sports such a linage. A number of these planes have been constructed and are currently flying the Common Wealth.
The Luton Major LA5 was acquired by the late Chris Falconar, who continuously modernized it over the next 30 years, incorporating improvements made by Stuart Noble, the builder of C-FOOV pictured below. The current version, being different from the original (and already excellent) Luton Major was renamed the Cub Major for the North American market and to help differentiate it from it's forbearer. The Luton "Cub" Major is the ideal tandem home built for craftsman who prefer to work in wood while not sacrificing strength and durability.
The Cub Major is primarily constructed of wood using conventional techniques with metal fittings, an (optional) 4130 upper fuselage, Cub style gear, and features easily folded wings, dual controls, and supports a verity of certified and experimental engines.
In 1943 a fire destroyed the factory and the prototype, leaving only the plans which were slightly damaged. The Luton Major L.A.5 was then updated by Latimer-Needham and A.W.J.G Ord-Hume and was sold as plans for the home built market. Latimer-Needham and Mr Ord-Hume were and are highly accomplished gentleman, both engineers and authors who have made significant contributions to both certified and experimental aviation. No other home built aircraft sports such a linage. A number of these planes have been constructed and are currently flying the Common Wealth.
The Luton Major LA5 was acquired by the late Chris Falconar, who continuously modernized it over the next 30 years, incorporating improvements made by Stuart Noble, the builder of C-FOOV pictured below. The current version, being different from the original (and already excellent) Luton Major was renamed the Cub Major for the North American market and to help differentiate it from it's forbearer. The Luton "Cub" Major is the ideal tandem home built for craftsman who prefer to work in wood while not sacrificing strength and durability.
The Cub Major is primarily constructed of wood using conventional techniques with metal fittings, an (optional) 4130 upper fuselage, Cub style gear, and features easily folded wings, dual controls, and supports a verity of certified and experimental engines.
Included Options
-15 gallon fuel tank.
-4130 steel tube upper cabin structure to simplify fittings and eliminate many nuts and bolts, and provide additional strength.
-Delrin bearings for elevator and rudder.
-Upgraded Spar.
-Simplified and Strengthened Lift Struts.
-Professionally written construction and assembly instructions.
Engine Choices
Mikron 62-80hp (mount drawing included), Rotax 912, Jabiru 2200, UL Power 260, Lycoming 0-145 (mount drawing included), Continental a65, a75, Revmaster, 2332cc VW, Hummel 2400cc, 80hp Sauer and Limbach.
The large wing and light weight of the Cub Major allows it to fly nicely on lower power (and less expensive) engines that what are often needed by similar aircraft with a smaller wing. The key is to keep it light.
Builder Support
This is an airplane for the Craftsman. The man who likes to work with his hands and his brain will love it. The drawings are very good and the included building manual is the best that I have ever seen. The design is pretty typical for British aircraft from the period, and resources for similar aircraft from that era (like the Taylor Mono Plane) and the Luton Minor can also be of help.
I recommend builders stock up and study wood building books and videos from the EAA and Homebuilt help before starting their build.
To be very Blunt: If you need to have your hand held and can't figure it out from the plans, then I would recommend buying an airplane that is already flying or purchasing a kit from one of the major vendors. Emails and requests for clarification or with questions about the plans will likely go unanswered. The planes are barging priced for what they are, easy to understand, and do not include support.
Copyright TKCO INC
Photo of the original Luton Major in England with the 62hp Czech made 4 cylinder inline Walter Mikron II. Iinterestingly the the Mikron line is still being produced by Parma Technik.
