Piper PA-23 Apache/Aztec

The roots of the PA-23 Apache (one of the first generally accessible GA twins and Piper's first "Indian") and the bigger and all the more compelling Aztec lie in the early post bellum Twin Stinson plan.

Flute player obtained the benefits of Consolidated Vultee's Stinson Aircraft division in 1948, and inherited a configuration study for a cutting edge four spot light twin. Flautist left the configuration torpid for a couple of years until 1952 when it assembled a model flying machine, cn 23-01, in view of the Stinson outline. The low wing four seat twin was controlled by 93kw (125hp) Lycoming O-290-D motors, had fabric blanket, altered undercarriage and a twin balance tail plan.

Unacceptable flight trials headed Piper to generously upgrade cn 23-01, presenting first all the more capable 100kw (135hp) motors, then expanding force to (110kw) 150hp, metal development, retractable undercarriage and a routine tail unit. The upgraded twin flew surprisingly on March 2 1952. Generation conveyances started in March 1954.

The primary variation was the PA-23-150 with some point of interest changes in ensuing model years before creation exchanged to the all the more capable PA-23-160 in late 1958. The Apache G and H presented a third lodge window. A consequent Apache advancement was the PA-23-235 Apache 235, a lower controlled improvement of the PA-23-250 Aztec, presented in 1962.

The Aztec is an extended and all the more effective advancement of the Apache controlled by two six chamber 185kw (250hp) O-540s, and Aztecs were initially conveyed from ahead of schedule 1960. The Aztec B presented a more extended nose and seating for six, the Aztec C fuel infused motors, the discretionary Turbo Aztec C was turbocharged, while the Aztec D, E and F and relating turbo models presented subtle element changes.

A military rendition for the US Navy was the UO-1, later renamed the U-11a. Aside from radio, oxygen and propeller against icing gear, this model was like the common Aztec. Twenty were conveyed in 1960. Some other aviation based armed forces utilized Aztecs within little numbers.

An extraordinary rendition for the UK market with a horrible weight of 2265kg (4995lb) rather than 2360kg (5200lb) was the PA-E23-250.

Generation of the Aztec stopped in 1982.

A few Apache changes with higher-fueled motors, developed nose cone, completely encased wheel entryways, square tipped rudder, and so on were accessible as the Seguin Geronimo, the Miller Jet Profile and the Wilson Jet Profile. Some flying machine were just mostly adjusted.

A floatplane change of Aztecs including additionally an extra entryway is offered by Melridge Aviation and Jobmaster Company as the Aztec Nomad.