Piper PA-24 Comanche
Piper · United States · first flew 1956 · light aircraft
The Piper PA-24 Comanche was Piper's first all-metal retractable-gear single, introduced in 1958 as a faster and more capable alternative to fabric-covered designs, setting new standards for the company's engineering and performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Long, slender fuselage with a pointed spinner and a more aerodynamically refined shape than the Cherokee family |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sleek low-wing four-seater with retractable tricycle undercarriage — Piper's first all-metal low-wing design
- Distinctive laminar-flow wing with taper on leading and trailing edges
- Long, slender fuselage with a pointed spinner and a more aerodynamically refined shape than the Cherokee family
The tapered laminar-flow wing gives the Comanche a more elegant appearance than the straight-wing Cherokee; the retractable gear, pointed nose, and long fuselage make it distinguishable from other Piper singles of the era.
Specifications
- The Piper PA-24 Comanche has a length of 7.67 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + up to 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed to compete with the Cessna 210 and Beechcraft Bonanza, the Comanche first flew in 1956 and entered service in 1958. Variants ranged from the 180 hp base model to the turbocharged 260C and the rare 400 hp Comanche 400. The Vero Beach Florida plant was destroyed by flood in 1972, ending production of the single-engine Comanche.
Variants
PA-24-180, PA-24-250, PA-24-260 (including 260B and 260C with improved systems), and the rare Comanche 400 with a 400 hp Lycoming IO-720.
Where you'll see it
Highly regarded by owners for its speed and handling; the Comanche is well-supported by the International Comanche Society and remains active in private use in North America and Europe.
Related aircraft
- Piper PA-28 Cherokee
- Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer
- Piper PA-16 Clipper
- Piper PA-18 Super Cub
- Beechcraft Travel Air
- Boisavia B.260 Anjou
- Cessna 182 Skylane
- Cessna 620
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