PA-32 Cherokee Six
Summary
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Piper |
| First flight | 14 January 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1965 |
| Number produced | 7842 units |
Technical specifications
| Version: PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Operational range | 1,361 km (846 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 228 km/h (142 mph) |
| Wing area | 15 m² (161.5 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 9 m (29.5 ft) |
| Height | 2.2 m (7.3 ft) |
| Length | 7.1 m (23.3 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 4,359 m (14,301 ft) |
| Empty weight | 545 kg (1,202 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 975 kg (2,150 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 3.4 m/s (11.2 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 1 x pistons engine Lycoming O-320-E2A delivering 112 kW each |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Syria | 2 | |
Description
The PA-32 series was developed by Piper Aircraft as a larger aircraft compared to the four-seat PA-28 Cherokee, featuring a six or seven-seat configuration. The initial prototype of the PA-32 conducted its first flight on December 6, 1963, and the aircraft received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification on March 4, 1965. The first production model was the PA-32-260 Cherokee Six, equipped with a 260 horsepower (190 kW) engine.
A key design feature of the Cherokee Six and its subsequent models is a baggage compartment located in the nose, situated between the cockpit and the engine compartment. Additionally, the PA-32 incorporates a large double door at the rear of the aircraft to facilitate easy loading of both passengers and cargo. Over the years, the PA-32 series incorporated design changes, including a transition to tapered wings.
Based on available information, the Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six is not equipped with weapons systems. There is no mention of hardpoints, weapon pylons, or internal or external carriage of ordnance.
The PA-32 series is utilized globally for private transportation, air taxi services, bush support, and medevac flights. Brazilian license-built versions of the PA-32-300 Cherokee Six (the Embraer EMB-720C Minuano), PA-32-301 Saratoga Fixed Gear version (the Embraer EMB-720D Minuano), PA-32R-301 Lance (the Embraer EMB-721C Sertanejo), and PA-32R-301 Saratoga Retractable Gear version (the Embraer EMB-721D Sertanejo) were produced by Embraer and its subsidiary Indústria Aeronáutica Neiva. Sales of the Piper 6X and 6XT models did not meet expectations, and production ceased in late 2007.
Main Variants:
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PA-32-260 Cherokee Six: The initial production variant, equipped with a 260hp Lycoming O-540-E4B5 engine.
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PA-32-300 Cherokee Six: This version features a 300hp Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 engine and was later marketed as the Piper Six 300.
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PA-32S-300: A factory-built floatplane version, retaining the 300hp Lycoming engine but produced in limited numbers.
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PA-32-301 Saratoga: Introduced in 1980, this variant includes a 300hp Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 engine and a tapered wing design.
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PA-32-301T Turbo Saratoga: A turbocharged version of the Saratoga, featuring a Lycoming TIO-540-S1AD engine and a redesigned cowling.