Post by Bushpounder on Jun 14, 2015 19:36:31 GMT -5
The PA-24-400 Comanche 400,[7] while identical in planform to other single-engined Comanches, is structurally strengthened, primarily in the tail. The aircraft has an extra nose rib in the stabilator and in the vertical fin. The stabilator, vertical fin, and rudder of the 400 share virtually no common parts with the 180, 250, or 260 hp (190 kW) Comanches. In addition, the 400's rudder is aerodynamically balanced in a manner similar to that of the Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche and does not have the lead external balance weights of the lower-powered single-engined Comanches.[citation needed]
The Comanche 400 is powered by the 400-horsepower 8-cylinder Lycoming IO-720 engine, an engine developed specifically for the Comanche.[8]
Comanche 400 msn 26-52 fitted with three-bladed propeller, exhibited at the 1966 Hannover Air Show, Germany
The aircraft was produced from 1964 to 1966,[1] with only 148 PA-24-400s having been built. The aircraft's high fuel burn means that it is expensive to operate. There have been cooling problems with the rear cylinders of the horizontally opposed eight-cylinder engine. Even with the huge engine, the PA-24-400 manages a top speed of only 194 knots (360 km/h) and cruising speed of 185 knots (343 km/h), considerably slower than more modern light aircraft, such as the Cessna 400, operating with much less horsepower.[9]
The Comanche 400 has a three-bladed propeller and carries 100 US gallons (380 L) of fuel, or 130 US gallons (490 L) with optional extended tanks. Fuel burn was advertised as 16 to 23 US gallons (61 to 87 L) per hour, at 55%-75% power. The 400 had a typical empty weight of 2,110 pounds and a max gross weight of 3,600 pounds. New base price for 1964 was $28,750.[citation needed]
From Wikipedia - I hate Wiki, but for this it is good enough.
BP;)
