Piper Aircraft

The Piper PA-23 Apache was an early forerunner of the many twin-engine, four-seat planes that would follow in this company's history. Crafted in the prime of what Piper dubs as its era of expansion and growth, this plane delivered a lot for a little. Its history is technically brief, but the Apache opened the doors on a new chapter in the Piper story.

The Piper PA-23 Apache was Piper's first all-metal craft. It rolled out in February 1954 and was also the first in the series to be named after a legendary Native American tribe. This native-named line would eventually expand to include the single-engine Comanche.

The Piper PA-23 Apache was considered a big success for Piper. Following its introduction, the company constructed its Vero Beach, Florida, research and development facility on the site of a former Naval airbase.

As the Apache took off, this model plane was put to a variety of uses. It was noted for use in charter and commuter work, among other purposes. The craft itself grew out of Piper's acquisition of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation in the late 1940s. This company's claim to fame was the Twin Stinson. In 1952, Piper began the process to take on the model as its own.

The prototype for the Piper PA-23 Apache was a spin off of the Stinson. It featured two Lycoming 125 hp engines, a low wing base and a tricycle landing gear. Although it offered a twin tail and other perks, the plane still was not considered right. In the ensuing years, Piper tweaked the prototype to include a single fin, 150 hp twin engines and a retractable landing gear. By mid-1953, the all-metal Piper PA-23 Apache was born.

The Apache hit the market in 1954 with a price tag under $33,000, making it the most affordable twin-engine in its class. While the company produced a variety of Apache models, the need for more power was answered in 1959 when 250 hp twins were added and the craft took on the Aztec name.

The Apache's era effectively came to an end with the retooling to create the Aztec. By the time of this craft's demise, more than 2,000 planes bearing the Apache name were in the air.

Although it was a breakaway from the earlier Cub models, the twin-engine proved to be a favorite in the Piper line. It all began with the Piper PA-23 Apache.

Piper Aircraft |