Piper U-11A Aztec
Piper Aircraft · United States · first flew 1959 · light aircraft
The Piper U-11A Aztec is the US military designation for the Piper PA-23-235 Aztec, a twin-engine light transport used by the United States Army and other services for liaison and utility duties.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.52 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US military designation for the Piper PA-23 Aztec utility transport
- Twin Lycoming flat-six engines in streamlined nacelles
- Low-wing twin with distinctive rounded nose and oval windows
Classic low-wing twin-engine light aircraft with a rounded nose, twin Lycoming engines in nacelles blending smoothly into the wing leading edge, and a large passenger cabin.
Specifications
- The Piper U-11A Aztec has a length of 9.52 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.34 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 338 km/h (210 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The PA-23 Aztec entered civil service in 1959 and was adopted by US military branches under the U-11A designation for staff transport, liaison, and light utility work, complementing other light twins in service.
Variants
The civil PA-23 Aztec family progressed through several sub-marks (235, 250, 251, Turbo Aztec); the U-11A corresponds to the early baseline 235-hp version.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Army and Air Force in small numbers for utility transport; most flew in support roles rather than tactical missions.
Related aircraft
- Piper PA-23-250 Aztec
- Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche
- Piper PA-31 Navajo
- Piper PA-31-300 Navajo
- Aermacchi AL-60
- Aero Boero AB-95
- Aeromere F.8L Falco Series III
- Air & Space 18A
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