Piper Aircraft

Pick almost any Piper aircraft ever made and chances are there will be a Lycoming engine listed as its main powering source. The relationship between the two companies dates back almost to Piper's very beginning. From some of its groundbreaking earlier planes to the new models in its line, Piper aircraft engines are almost always synonymous with Lycoming.

The relationship between Piper and Lycoming began during the creation of some of the very first Cubs. Since that time, Piper aircraft engines made by Lycoming have been included in some of the company's most notable models.

The first twin-engine plane made by Piper, for example, started out with Lycoming 125hp engines. When more power was desired, the Apache was outfitted with two 150 hp engines instead. Upgraded versions, including the Aztec, were also driven by Lycoming. Other notable planes to have Piper aircraft engines made by Lycoming include the Comanche, and every plane in the company's current line except the PiperJet. The jet itself is driven by the Williams FJ44-3AP, which is a turbofan engine meant to provide the kind of power and trust the new jet requires.

Although there have been a few deviations through the years, Lycoming has been and remains the Piper aircraft engine of choice. This company's history is rather interesting in and of itself. The company began in 1845 in Williamsport, PA. Madame Ellen Curtis Demorest is credited with starting the manufacturing firm, which would eventually be known as the Lycoming Foundry and Machine Company.

The company started out in its new form manufacturing engines for automobiles, such as the Cord and Duesenberg. By 1929, it moved into the aviation field, creating its first aircraft engine. In 1933, Lycoming joined the Aviation Corporation.

In 1945, Lycoming received a major feather in its cap. A Stinson Sentinel driven by a Lycoming engine became the first plane to land on Iwo Jima. Other notable accomplishments beyond being the almost exclusive maker of Piper aircraft engines include having the distinction of powering all the planes competing in the 1996 World Aerobatic Championships and powering a Robinson helicopter that landed on the South Pole in early 2005.

While it is possible to note a few Piper aircraft engines that have not been made by Lycoming, the list is short. The relationship between the two companies was formed early and remains strong today. If a Piper is in the air, chances are there's a Lycoming helping to make that possible.

Piper Aircraft |