Piper PA-23

The Piper PA -23 Apache is a twin-engine light aircraft of the U.S. aircraft manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corporation.

Construction and Development

The first PA 23 were equipped with two 150 hp Lycoming 0 - 320A engines (110 kW). In 1959 they built the PA 23-160 with 160 PS 0 - 360B engines (118 kW), 1961, the five-seat model PA 23-235 with 235 PS 0 -540 engines (173 kW). These versions were given an autopilot and additional navigation instruments (IFR equipment) for the flight in bad weather.

Production

The Piper Apache was the first twin-engine aircraft in the Piper Aircraft Corporation. As of March 1952, the machine was in Baltimore (USA) in mass production. The last model of the Piper PA 23-235 Apache was delivered in 1972, 2166 Apache were prepared in total. The successor was the Piper Aztec, which is also referred to as the PA -23 ( PA 23-250 ).

Flight performance

The first four-cylinder models (PA 23-150 and PA23 -160 ) have quite modest flight performance for a twin engine, which makes especially the failure of one engine noticeable. It is then no longer possible to maintain the height. That was the case until the six-cylinder model (PA 23-235 ). Allen PA 23 models is the extremely good-natured flight characteristics in common, even in flight with only one engine. The reason is the thick wing profile and geometry, which was acquired by the PA 18. The disadvantage is the relative high air resistance, which precludes a high cruising speed.

In the U.S., Apache is known for her short, rounded bow as "flying sweet potato " ( Flying Sweet Potato ).