The Piper PA-24 Comanche is a renowned single-engine, low-wing monoplane that has been a favorite among pilots for its performance, versatility, and reliability.
Introduced in the late 1950s by Piper Aircraft, the Comanche series includes several variants, each designed to meet different performance and operational needs.
History and Development
The Piper PA-24 Comanche was introduced in 1958 as a successor to the Piper PA-23 Apache.
Designed by Piper Aircraft, the Comanche aimed to compete with other high-performance single-engine aircraft like the Beechcraft Bonanza and the Cessna 210. The Comanche quickly gained a reputation for its sleek design, robust performance, and advanced features for its time.
Piper PA-24 Comanche Design and Features
The Piper PA-24 Comanche features a distinctive low-wing design, offering excellent visibility and aerodynamics. Key design and feature highlights include:
- Construction: All-metal construction with retractable tricycle landing gear.
- Wing Design: Semi-tapered wings providing a balance of lift and stability.
- Cockpit: Ergonomically designed for comfort and functionality, with modern avionics in later models.
- Cabin: Spacious and comfortable, accommodating four to six passengers depending on the variant.
- Engine: Various engine options ranging from 180 hp to 260 hp.
Variants
The Piper PA-24 Comanche series includes several variants, each with specific enhancements and performance characteristics:
- PA-24-180:
- Engine: Lycoming O-360-A1A, 180 hp
- Cruise Speed: 140 knots
- Range: 700 nautical miles
- PA-24-250:
- Engine: Lycoming O-540-A1A5, 250 hp
- Cruise Speed: 160 knots
- Range: 850 nautical miles
- PA-24-260:
- Engine: Lycoming IO-540-D4A5, 260 hp (fuel-injected)
- Cruise Speed: 165 knots
- Range: 1,000 nautical miles
- PA-24-400:
- Engine: Lycoming IO-720-A1A, 400 hp (fuel-injected)
- Cruise Speed: 195 knots
- Range: 1,200 nautical miles
- Notable Features: The most powerful and fastest Comanche variant.
Piper PA-24 Comanche Specifications
Here are the general specifications for the Piper PA-24 Comanche:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft |
| Model | PA-24 Comanche |
| Configuration | Single-engine, low-wing monoplane |
| Capacity | 4-6 passengers |
| Length | 25 ft 8 in (7.82 m) |
| Wingspan | 36 ft (10.97 m) |
| Height | 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) |
| Empty Weight | 1,600 lbs to 2,000 lbs (varies by model) |
| Gross Weight | 2,800 lbs to 3,600 lbs (varies by model) |
| Fuel Capacity | 60-90 gallons (varies by model) |
| Cruise Speed | 140 knots to 195 knots (varies by model) |
| Range | 700 to 1,200 nautical miles (varies by model) |
| Engine | Lycoming O-360, O-540, or IO-540/IO-720 |
| Power Output | 180 hp to 400 hp (varies by model) |
If you are interested you should read about the Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer
Piper PA-24 Comanche Performance
The Piper PA-24 Comanche is celebrated for its impressive performance across all variants:
- Speed: The Comanche series offers high cruise speeds, making it a fast single-engine aircraft suitable for cross-country flights.
- Range: With significant fuel capacity and efficient engines, the Comanche boasts an impressive range, ideal for long-distance travel.
- Handling: The Comanche’s design provides stable and responsive handling characteristics, enhancing pilot confidence and passenger comfort.
Piper PA-24 Comanche Applications
The Piper PA-24 Comanche is used in various applications, including:
- Private Aviation: Popular among private owners for personal and business travel.
- Flight Training: Some flight schools use the Comanche for advanced training due to its complex systems and high performance.
- Air Tours and Charter: Suitable for air tour operators and charter services, offering comfort and speed for passengers.
Maintenance and Upgrades
Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping the Piper PA-24 Comanche in top condition. Maintenance tasks include:
- Engine Overhauls: Regular inspections and overhauls as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Avionics Upgrades: Modern avionics can enhance safety and functionality.
- Airframe Inspections: Regular inspections for corrosion and structural integrity.
Piper PA-24 Comanche Price
The price of a Piper PA-24 Comanche can vary based on the model, age, condition, and any modifications or upgrades. As of 2024, prices generally range from:
- Early Models (PA-24-180 and PA-24-250): $50,000 to $100,000
- Later Models (PA-24-260 and PA-24-400): $100,000 to $200,000
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