Piper PA-38 Tomahawk
- CountryUnited States of America
- TypeTwo seat light aircraft and basic trainer
- PowerplantsOne 85kW (112hp) Avco Lycoming O-235-L2A or L2C flat four piston engine driving a two blade fixed pitch Sensenich propeller.
- PerformanceMax speed 202km/h (109kt), max cruising speed 200km/h (108kt), normal cruising speed 185km/h (100kt). Initial rate of climb 718ft/min. Service ceiling 13,000ft. Max range with reserves 867km (468nm).
- WeightsEmpty 512kg (1128lb), max takeoff 757kg (1670lb).
- DimentionsWing span 10.36m (34ft 0in), length 7.04m (23ft 1in), height 2.77m (9ft 1in). Wing area 11.6m2 (124.7sq ft).
- CapacitySeating for two side by side.
- Production2497 Tomahawks were built between 1978 and 1983.
The PA-38 Tomahawk (nicknamed Tommy for short) was the first all new two seat coach fabricated by one of the USA's huge three GA makers in just about three decades when it was presented.
The PA-38-112 Tomahawk was outlined as a moderately economical to secure and work two seat mentor to handle the solidly settled complete fundamental coach in the 1970s, the Cessna 150 and 152, and to assume control over the spot in Piper's model extend then possessed by two seat variations of the PA-28 Cherokee arrangement.
Outline information for the Tomahawk originated from a poll Piper conveyed arbitrarily to 10,000 flight teachers amid the mid 1970s. On account of their reactions (perfect attributes included night lighting, double toe brakes, a fuel selector available to both understudy and teacher, low clamor levels, position lights and the capability to turn), Piper created the PA-38. The ensuing airplane emphasized a T-tail and NASA Whitcomb Ga(w)-1 outline low set wing of consistent harmony and thickness (likewise offered on the contending yet less succesful Beech Skipper), a lodge more extensive than the Cherokee's (and accordingly much more extensive than the Cessna 150/152's) with 360â° vision and a Lycoming O-235 powerplant. Numerous parts, for example, the principle undercarriage wheels and lifts, were exchangeable.
Flute player declared the improvement of the Tomahawk amid late 1977 and first conveyances were made in right on time 1978. In spite of an introductory blended response to the new mentor from the flying open, the Tomahawk was a moment deals accomplishment with in excess of 1000 implicit the first year of creation alone. In administration the Tomahawk ended up being temperate to work, however the airplane was tenacious by quality control issues (in the range of 19 Airworthiness Directives were issued by the FAA in the PA-38's initial four years) and eccentric stalling attributes, bringing about various stall/turn mischances.
Stream strips were included to the wing late generation Tomahawks Is in September 1978 to enhance the highly reprimanded stall qualities, while various different issues, including the low quality control, were tended to in the enhanced Tomahawk II, which was presented for the 1981 model year. Upgrades included enhanced sound sealing, windscreen defrosting, entryway locking and nose wheel outline.
Piper stopped generation of the Tomahawk amid 1983.
Pictures of Piper PA-38 Tomahawk
