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Piper PA-24 Comanche

Piper · High-performance Single · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Piper PA-24 Comanche — High-performance Single
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The Piper PA-24 Comanche is an American single-engine, low-wing, all-metal monoplane of semimonocoque construction with tricycle retractable landing gear and four or six seats. The Comanche was designed and built by Piper Aircraft and first flew on May 24, 1956. Together with the PA-30 and PA-39 Twin Comanches, it made up the core of Piper's lineup until 1972, when the production lines for both aircraft were destroyed in the 1972 Lock Haven flood.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
General Aviation
Domain
Civil
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Piper
Operator
Private pilots
Primary Role
High-performance Single
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1958
Produced
4717
Unit Cost (2026$)
~$40-100K used
Engine
Lycoming IO-540-D4A5
Thrust / Power
260 hp
Launch
Ground
Length (ft)
24.9
Wingspan (ft)
36
Empty Weight (lb)
1725
MTOW (lb)
3100
Endurance (hr)
6
Service Ceiling (ft)
20000
Range (mi)
1000
Max Speed (mph)
185