PA-32 Cherokee Six
American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services. Key figures: top speed 228 km/h, range 1,361 km, service ceiling 4,359 m, max takeoff weight 975 kg, built 7,842. In service with 1 air force as of 2026 — Syria (2).
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 7.1 m (23.3 ft) |
| Wingspan | 9 m (29.5 ft) |
| Height | 2.2 m (7.3 ft) |
| Wing area | 15 m² (161.5 sqft) |
| Empty weight | 545 kg (1,202 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 975 kg (2,150 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × pistons engine Lycoming O-320-E2A 112 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 228 km/h (142 mph) |
| Operational range | 1,361 km (846 mi) |
| Endurance | 5 hours |
| Service ceiling | 4,359 m (14,301 ft) |
| Climb rate | 3.4 m/s (11.2 ft/s) |
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.
Design
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.
Armament
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.
Operational History
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.
Variants
Main Variants:
-
PA-32-260 Cherokee Six: The initial production variant, equipped with a 260hp Lycoming O-540-E4B5 engine.
-
PA-32-300 Cherokee Six: This version features a 300hp Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 engine and was later marketed as the Piper Six 300.
-
PA-32S-300: A factory-built floatplane version, retaining the 300hp Lycoming engine but produced in limited numbers.
-
PA-32-301 Saratoga: Introduced in 1980, this variant includes a 300hp Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 engine and a tapered wing design.
-
PA-32-301T Turbo Saratoga: A turbocharged version of the Saratoga, featuring a Lycoming TIO-540-S1AD engine and a redesigned cowling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft is the PA-32 Cherokee Six?
What is the maximum speed of the PA-32 Cherokee Six?
What is the range of the PA-32 Cherokee Six?
When did the PA-32 Cherokee Six first fly?
How many PA-32 Cherokee Six have been built?
Which countries operate the PA-32 Cherokee Six?
What is the service ceiling of the PA-32 Cherokee Six?
- APR 72026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
- FEB 72026 Updated Endurance added
- JAN 122026 Updated Range updated in a site-wide editorial pass