The original version of the Comanche was the

PA-24, which featured a carbureted 180 hp

(134 kW) Lycoming O-360-A1A engine,swept

tail, laminar flow airfoil, and all-flying

stabilator. Designed by Howard "Pug" Piper,

the new Comanche was intended to compete

in the market with the very successful

Beechcraft Bonanza.

The initial production run of the 180 hp (130 kW) Comanche singles were given the PA-24 type designation. The remainder of this production run were given the PA24-180 designation.[citation needed]

The standard fuel capacity of the PA-24-180 was 60 US gallons (230 L). The flaps were manually actuated, controlled by the same Johnson bar actuator as the Piper Cherokee. The aircraft specifications were for cruise speeds of 116 to 139 knots (257 km/h) and fuel burns between 7.5 and 10.5 gph at 55-percent and 75-percent power settings. Full-fuel payload with standard fuel was 715 pounds, with a gross weight of 2,550 lb (1,160 kg) and range with 45-minute reserve of 700 nautical miles.[citation needed]

When new, standard, average-equipped Comanche 180s sold between $17,850 (1958) and $21,580 (1964).

A total of 1,143 were built.

Piper PA-24 Comanche     C-FLXA

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