Piper PA 32

Development

The PA-32 series began life in 1965 as the 260 horsepower (190 kW) PA32-260 Cherokee Six, a significantly modified six- (or seven) seat development of the PA-28 Cherokee.

The Cherokee Six and its successors feature a baggage compartment in the nose between the cockpit and the engine compartment as well as a large double door in the back for easy loading of passengers and cargo.

PA-32-300

Some pilots thought the original 260 hp (190 kW) Cherokee Six was underpowered, so on 27 May 1966 Piper obtained FAA type certification for a 300 hp (220 kW) version, designated as the PA-32-300. It was offered by the company as a 1967 model.

PA-32R

The 1975 addition of retractable landing gear resulted in the first of the PA-32R series, the Piper Lance. This was the earliest aircraft in the Piper Saratoga family, Piper's luxury high-performance single line.

Piper's transition to tapered wings for the Cherokee series resulted in a new wing for the PA-32 series as well. The tapered-wing version of the Cherokee Six was named the Saratoga and debuted in 1980. Due to product liability concerns and economic conditions, the general aviation industry went into decline in the early 1980s and Saratoga production ceased in 1985.

Piper 6X

After the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, production of the retractable-gear Saratoga resumed in 1995. A fixed-gear PA32 was re-introduced in 2003 as the Piper 6X and the turbocharged 6XT. Sales of the 6X and 6XT models did not meet expectations and production ceased in late 2007.

PA-34 prototype

Piper built a prototype PA32-260 with IO-360 engines mounted on the wings. The trimotor aircraft was the proof-of-concept aircraft for the twin-engined, retractable gear version of the Cherokee Six, the PA-34 Seneca.

Variants

PA-32-250 Cherokee Six

Prototype with 250hp Lycoming O-540 engine, two built.

PA-32-260 Cherokee Six

Production variant with a 260hp Lycoming O-540-E4B5 engine.

PA-32-260 Cherokee Six B

1969 model with increased cabin space

PA-32-260 Cherokee Six C

1970 model with minor changes

PA-32-260 Cherokee Six D

1971 model with minor changes

PA-32-260 Cherokee Six E

1972 model with interior and instrument panel changes (note model letters not used after 1972)

PA-32-300 Cherokee Six

Variant with a 300hp Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 engine, named the Piper Six 300 after 1979.

PA-32-300 Cherokee Six B

1969 model with instrument panel changes. Engine changed to IO-540-K1G5

PA-32-300 Cherokee Six C

1970 model

PA-32-300 Cherokee Six D

1971 model

PA-32-300 Cherokee Six E

1972 model (note model letters not used after 1972)

PA-32-300LD

Experimental low-drag variant for increased fuel efficiency, one built.

PA-32S-300 Seaplane Version

Factory built on floats, only a small number were made.

PA-32-301 Saratoga

Variant from 1980 with a 300hp Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 engine

PA-32-301T Turbo Saratoga

Saratoga with a turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540-S1AD engine and revised cowling.

PA-32-3M

PA-32 prototype modified as a three-engined aircraft with two 115hp Lycoming O-235 engines fitted to the wings, for development of the PA-34 Seneca.

Embraer 720 Minuano

Brasilian license build

Specifications (1972 model PA-32-300)

Data from 1972 Piper Cherokee Six 300 "E" Owner's Handbook

General characteristics

Crew: One

Capacity: five passengers (or six with optional seat)

Length: 27.7 ft in (8.4 m)

Wingspan: 32.8 ft in (10.0 m)

Height: 7.9 ft in (2.4 m)

Wing area: 174.5 ft² (16.5 m²)

Wing profile: NACA 65-415

Empty weight: 1788 lb (811 kg)

Gross weight: 3400 lb (1542 kg)

Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-540-K1A5, 300 hp (225 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 174 mph (280 km/h)

Cruise speed: 168 mph (272 km/h)

Range: 840 miles (1361 km)

Service ceiling: 16250 ft (4950 m)

Rate of climb: 1050 ft/min (5.3 m/s)