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Piper PA-24 Comanche
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Specifications
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Intro. US$ Cost:
Primary
Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Power:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Fuel Capacity:
Seating:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Climb:
Ceiling:
Range:
First Flight:
Year
Deployed: |
$30,500
utility transport
one
Lycoming injected
260 hp.
1,775 lbs.
3,200 lbs.
360 lbs.
1 pilot + 3 passengers
25' 0"
36' 0"
185 mph
1,300 fpm
19,500
feet
1,220 miles
5/13/56
1957 |
The single engine Piper PA-24 Comanche was produced from 1956 through 1972. Piper sold more of these
aircraft than any other model for that period.
Production of the PA-24 Comanche ceased when Hurricane Agnes flooded the Susquehanna
River wiping out the Piper Lock Haven, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility. Rather than rebuild the facility and continue producing the
Comanche, Piper decided to carry on with different models already in production at their Florida factory.
The original PA-24 Comanche was designed to compete in speed, comfort, and overall performance with
the premium aircraft of its day. The aircraft had a retractable under carriage, laminar flow wings, and a flying horizontal
stabilizer. Its 180 hp engine was normally aspirated and its flaps were manually operated.
Through the years the Comanche was upgraded. Some aircraft received a three bladed propeller, a longer propeller spinner,
more powerful fuel injected or turbocharged engines, more internal fuel capacity, wing tip fuel tanks, and electric flaps.
On June 4, 1959 a Piper Comanche set the still standing light aircraft non-stop flight distance record
of 6,966 miles, flying from Morocco to Texas.
A total of 4,857 Piper PA-24 Comanche aircraft of all types were produced.
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Piper PA-24 Comanche
