It all began in 1952 with the introduction of the Twin-Stinson, the first Piper of Stinson lineage to be produced since the Piper/Stinson Flying Station Wagon. It was powered by twin 125-hp Lycoming engines. The following year Piper introduced the PA-23 Apache, a vast improvement on the Twin-Stinson concept.The Apache featured a conventional single rudder tail unit rather than the Twin-Stinson’s twin-tail configuration, and power was boosted with the use of 150-hp Lycomings. The new Piper also utilized all-metal construction and retractable landing gear.

On 2 March 1952 Piper flew the prototype N1953A of a new twin-engine aircraft which it then identified as the Piper PA-23 Twin-Stinson. A cantilever low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction, it had a tailplane set high on the fuselage and mounting endplate fins and rudders, retractable tricycle landing gear and an enclosed cabin seating four in two pairs. The Stinson’s fabric covering was replaced by metal and there was a major redesign from the cabin aft, including a single tail. Power was upgraded to two 150hp Lycoming 0-320-A, and prototype N23P c/n 23-1 took wing on 29 July 1953. There followed a second prototype [N1000P] c/n 23-2, and issuance of a TC1A10 on 29 January 1954.

Piper PA-23 Apache Article

It entered production in early 1954 as the PA-23 Apache, later designated PA-23 Apache 150. A total of 1,231 were built, priced at $32,000.

Powered by two Lycoming O-320 engines, each of 150 h.p. with Hartzell constant-speed airscrews, the Apache has comprehensive instruments and radio equipment included to remove the limitation of “daylight, V.F.R. only” flying, and the selling price of the new machine was $32,500, or approximately £11,600, in 1954.

Maximum all-up weight of the Apache is 3,500 lb which, with full tanks, four passengers, full instrumentation aria radio, enables 198 lb of baggage or extra equipment to be carried. Maximum sea-level cruising speed is 160 m.p.h. Single-engined ceiling at top weight is 5,000 ft, and at 3,100 lb is 8,000 ft.

The aircraft is of all-metal construction, and has an empty weight (completely equipped) of 2,170 lb. The “Custom” model is fitted with the three radio installations shown in the cockpit photograph; an autopilot can be fitted. The baggage compartment behind the cabin has a volume of 25 cu ft, and the rear passenger seats can be easily removed to increase the available cargo space to 80 cu ft.

The dual controls are conventional, with toe brakes on the left rudder pedals, and with connections to the steerable nosewheel. Rudder and elevator trim controls are located centrally in the cabin roof. The “Electrol” tricycle landing gear is hydraulically retractable and is fitted with Goodrich wheels, tyres and brakes. Two 36-gallon rubber fuel tanks are installed in the wing, outboard of the engines. The span of the Apache is 37ft; length 27ft lin; and wing area 204 sq ft.

The Apache achieved FAA 1A10 certification on January 29, 1954, with Lycoming 150hp. This ended up covering all PA-23, PA-23-160, and PA-23-250 27-1 to 27-1999 and 27-2505 to 27-8154030.

In 1958, O-320-B 160-hp engines were added as the PA-23 Apache 160, and with some interior revisions so that it was classed as a four/ five-seat aircraft (816 built), and in 1963, the 175kW / 235-hp Lycoming O-540-B1A5 became the standard powerplant to meet requirements for better single-engine performance (119 built). This later model was the first to sport swept tail surfaces and was quite similar to the Aztec of the same vintage, except for the Apache’s smaller engines and shorter nose. 816 were built.

The optional fifth seat became available in 1956, retrofitable to earlier models, though baggage capacity was reduced from 200 lbs to 30 lbs when the seat was occupied, and two 18 USG aux tanks in the outboard wings were installed. Introduced in 1958 were the 160 hp Lycomings along with an increase in MTOW from 3500 lbs to 3800 lbs.

The Apache 235 (later becoming the Aztec 235) featured a swept tail and two Lycoming 235hp O-540-B1A5 engines. 119 were built.

A total of 481 of the 1959 Aztec 250 were sold.

584 of the 1960 Aztec B were sold, plus 20 to the USN as UO-1.

1357 of the 1962 Aztec C were built.

Introduced in 1968, the Aztec D featured a long nose with baggage compartment. 492 were built with an export model to South America and Africa.

1,020 of the 1970 introduce Aztec E were built.

Introduced in 1975, the Aztec F was powered with two 250hp Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 engines. Priced at $141,415 (1977), 714 were built, including Turbo Aztec F with TIO-540-C1A engines.

The 1960 Apache G began the third side window. Some 170 of the 1961 Apache H model were built.

Piper PA-23-160 Apache G Owners Handbook

Piper’s 1964 Aztec had streamlined nacelles, flush wing flaps and fully enclosed wheel doors raising the max cruise to 208 mph. Lycoming 250 hp engines have fuel injection and lightweight Hartzell props. The price was $54,990.

From 1962 to 1965, built 117 Apache 235s. More than 2000 150- to 160-hp Apaches were built between 1954 and 1962 until production was replaced by the Twin Commanche (introduced in 1963).

The type continued in production as the Apache until 1965, by which time 2,166 had been built, including 1,231 examples of the first production version.

With sales of the Apache 235 declining, Piper developed an improved version of this aircraft in 1960 which introduced a 250 hp / 186kW O-540 engine and provided six-seat capacity. The Aztec introduced a longer fuselage, longer nose, squared tail, and 5-6 seats instead of the Apache’s four.

This entered production under the designation PA-23-250 Aztec in 1959-60, the US Navy acquiring 20 of these aircraft, 149050 to 149069, for use in a utility role, designating them UO-1, changed to U-11A in 1962.

The Aztec was built until early 1982 when production was suspended. In final production form the type had the designation PA-23-250 Aztec F, and was available also as the generally similar PA-23T-250 Turbo Aztec F which differed by having Avco Lycoming TIO-540 engines with a Garrett turbo-charging system. The first F model, introduced in 1976, offered optional fuel capacity increase.

Both Apache and Aztec were available until the Apache line was dropped. A total of 2047 were built from 1954 to 1962.

Aztec Nomad Inc of Canada, produced the Aztec Nomad conversion of six-place Piper Aztec to twin EDO floats. The useful load was 2200 lb, reducing to 1800 lb as optional amphibian.

Gallery

1954 Piper Apache 150
Engines: 2 x Lycoming O-320-A1A, 150 hp
TBO: 2200 hr
Fuel type: 100LL
Props: Hartzell HC-82VL-2C, 2 blade CS, 72 in..
Landing gear: hydraulic Tri/Retr.
Max ramp weight: 3800lb
Gross weight: 3800 lb
Landing weight: 3800 lb
Empty weight, std: 2215 lb
Useful load, std: 1585 lb
Payload, full std. fuel: 1153 lb
Usable fuel: 72 USG
Optional fuel: 108 USG
Oil capacity: 8 qt
Wingspan: 37 ft
Overall length: 27 ft. 1 in
Height: 9 ft. 6 in
Wing area: 208 sq. ft
Wing loading: 12.7 lbs./sq. ft
Power loading: 12.7 lbs./hp
Wheel base: 7 ft. 4 in
Wheel track: 11 ft. 4 in
Wheel size: 6.00 x 6 in
Seating capacity: 4 std, 5 opt
Cabin doors: 1
Cabin width: 48 in
Cabin height: 50 in
Baggage capacity: 200 lb /25 cu. ft
Maximum speed: 180 mph
Cruise speed 75% power @ 6,000 ft: 146 kt / 170 mph
Cruise speed 65% power @ 9,000 ft: 139 kt / 162 mph
Cruise speed 55% power @ 12,000 ft: 128 kt
Range at 75% pwr no reserve (72 USgal): 620 sm
Range at 65% pwr no reserve (72 USgal): 710 s.m
Maximum range no reserve (72 USgal): 840 sm
Fuel consumption 75% power: 18.0 USgph
Fuel consumption 65% power: 16.0 USgph
Fuel consumption 55% power: 14.0 USgph
Vs: 59 kt
Vso: 51 kt
Stall speed, gear and flaps up: 66mph. Stall speed, gear and flaps down: 59 mph
Best rate of climb (SL): 1150 fpm
Best rate of climb, 8000 ft: 600 fpm
Service ceiling: 15,500 ft
Single-engine absolute ceiling: 6750 ft
Rate of climb, SE SL: 240 fpm
Takeoff ground roll: 1290 ft
Takeoff over 50-ft. obstacle (ft.): 1600 ft
Landing ground roll: 750 ft
Landing over 50-ft. obstacle: 1360 ft

PA23-160 Apache
Engines: 2 x Lycoming O-320-B, 160 hp.
Gross wt: 3,800 lb
Empty wt. 2,280 lb
Total fuel cap: 108 USG
Max speed 3,000 ft: 152 kt / 183 mph
Vmc: 70 kt
Initial climb rate 1,260 fpm
Best SE climb speed: 83kt
SE ceiling: 5,500 ft
Cruise 23×23: 130 kt / 173 mph
Stall 61 mph
Range 1,260 sm
Ceiling 17,000 ft
Takeoff run 1,190 ft
Landing roll 750 ft
Seats 4-5

PA23-235 Apache / Aztec 235
Lycoming: 2 x Lycoming O-540-B1A5, 235 hp
Wingspan: 37 ft 1.75 in / 11.33 m
Length: 27 ft 7 in / 8.41 m
Empty wt. 2,735 lb / 1240 kg
MTOW: 4,800 lb / 2177 kg
Fuel capacity 144 USG
Top speed 202 mph
Cruise 75% 7000ft/2135m: 166 kt / 191 mph / 307 km
Stall mph 62
Initial climb rate: 1,450 fpm / 442 m/min
Service Ceiling: 17,200 ft / 5240 m
Range 75%: 851 nm / 980 sm / 1575 km
Takeoff run: 830 ft
Landing roll: 880 ft
Seats 4-5

PA-23 Aztec 250
Engines: 2 x 250hp Lycoming O-540-A1D5;
Wingspan: 37’3″
Length: 30’3″
Useful load: 1900 lb
Max speed: 216 mph
Cruise: 190 mph
Stall: 68 mph
Range: 885 mi
Ceiling: 21,000′
Seats: 5-6

Aztec A
1959
Engines: 2 x Lycoming IO 540 A1D5, 250 hp
Seats: 5

Aztec B
1962
Seats: 6

Aztec C
1964
Engines: 2 x Lycoming IO 540 C4B5, 250 hp

Turbo Aztec C
1964
Engines: 2 x Lycoming TIO 540 C1A, 250 hp

Aztec D
Engines: 2 x Lycoming IO 540 C41B5, 250 hp
Prop: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) dia 2 blade metal
Wing span: 37 ft 2.5 in (11,34 m)
Length: 30 ft 21 in (9,21 m)
Wing area: 207.56 sq ft (19.28 sq.m)
Gross weight: 5,200 lb (2,360 kg)
Normal cruising speed: 210 mph (338 km/h) at 4,000 ft (1,220 m)
Range: 830 miles (1,335 km) at normal cruising speed
Seats: 6.

Aztec E
Engine: 2 x Lycoming IO-540-C4B5, 250 hp
Wingspan: 37 ft 2.5 in / 11.34 m
Length: 31 ft 2.75 in / 9.52 m
Empty weight: 3042 lb / 1379 kg
MTOW: 5200 lb / 2360 kg
Cruise 4000ft/1220m: 182 kt / 210 mph / 338 kph
Range cruise 10200ft/3110m: 169 kt / 195 mph / 314 kph
ROC SL: 1490 fpm / 455 m/min
Absolute ceiling: 21,100 ft / 6430 m
Norm max fuel range: 720 nm / 830 mi / 1335 km
Max range cruise: 1050 nm / 1210 mi / 1947 km
Seats: 6
Cabin capacity: 1700 lb / 725 kg
Rear cabin capacity: 150 lb / 68 kg
Nose compartment capacity: 150 lb / 68 kg
Max cargo capacity: 122 cu.ft / 3.45cu.m

Turbo Aztec E
1964
Engines: 2 x Lycoming TIO 540 C1A, 250 hp

PA23-250F Aztec F
Engines: 2 x Lycoming IO 540 C4B5, 250 hp
TBO: 2,000 hrs
Props: 2 blade, constant speed, 77 in dia
Max wt: 5200 lbs
Max ldg wt: 4940 lbs
Empty wt: 3221 lbs
Useful load: 1979 lbs
Payload with full fuel: 759 lb
Wing area: 207 sq.ft
Wing loading: 25.1 lb/sq.ft
Pwr loading: 10.4 lb/hp
Wing span: 37.3 ft
Length: 31.2 ft
Height: 10.1 ft
Cabin length: 8.5 ft
Cabin width: 45 in
Cabin height: 50.5 in
Useable fuel: Std: 137.2 USG, Optional: 177.2 USG/1,063 lbs
Baggage capacity: Nose: 17.4 cu.ft, 150 lbs, Rear: 23 cu.ft, 150 lbs
Seats: 6
Maximum speed: 178 kts
Normal cruise: 179 kts @ 3850 ft
Economy cruise (range, std fuel): 170 kts @ 6250 ft (830 nm)
Long range cruise: (162 kts @ 10,800 ft: 985 nm
Max cruise, 75% power (2,300 rpm) at 4,000 ft: 177 kts
Econ cruise, 55% power at 10.000 ft: 152 kts
Duration at max cruise: 5 hrs
Duration at econ cruise: 8.6 hrs
ROC: 1400 fpm
SE ROC: 235 fpm
Single engine climb gradient at 88 knots (Vy): 1.5 degrees
Stall (5200 lbs), clean: 61 kts, Flap dn: 54.5 kts
Service ceiling (5200 lbs): 17,600 ft
Service ceiling SE: 4800 ft.
T/O (50ft): 1980 ft
Ldg dist (50ft): 1585 ft

PA23-250F Turbo Aztec F
Engines: 2 x Lycoming TIO-540-C1A, 250 hp / 186kW
Max wt: 5200 lb / 2359 kg
Max ldg wt: 4940 lbs
Empty wt: 3358 lb
Useful load: 1842 lb
Wing area: 207 sq.ft / 19.23 sq.m
Wing loading: 25.1 lb/sq.ft
Pwr loading: 10.4 lb/hp
Wing span: 37 ft 4 in / 11.37 m
Length: 31 ft 3 in / 9.52 m
Height: 10 ft 1 in / 3.07 m
Cabin length: 8.5 ft
Cabin width: 45 in
Cabin height: 50.5 in
Useable fuel: Std: 137.2 USG
Optional fuel: 177.2 USG
Baggage capacity: Nose: 17.4 cu.ft, 150 lbs, Rear: 23 cu.ft, 150 lbs
Max. speed: 407 km/h / 253 mph
Economy cruise (range, std fuel): 193 kts @ 24,000 ft (780 nm)
Long range cruise (range, std fuel): 165 kts @ 20,000 ft: 835 nm
ROC: 1470 fpm
ROC SE: 225 fpm
Stall (5200 lbs), clean: 61 kts, Flap dn: 54.5 kts.
Service ceiling (5200 lbs): 24,000 ft/7315 m, SE: 17,000 ft
T/O (50ft): 1980 ft
Ldg dist (50ft): 1585 ft.

UO-1 / U-11A
Engines: two 250hp Lycoming O-540-A1D5
Wing span: 37’3″
Length: 30’3″
Useful load: 1900 lb
Max speed: 216 mph
Cruise: 190 mph
Stall: 68 mph
Ceiling: 21,000′
Seats: 5

Miller Custom Apache / Piper Apache
Engines: 2 x Lycoming IO-360-C1C, 200 hp
Seats: 6
Wing loading: 19.3 lb/sq.ft
Pwr loading: 10 lb/hp
Max TO wt: 4000 lb
Empty wt: 2400 lb
Equipped useful load: 1501 lb
Payload max fuel: 583 lb
Range max fuel/ 75% cruise: 1233 nm/7.1 hr
Range max fuel / 55% cruise: 1311 nm/ 8 hr
Service ceiling: 21,000 ft
Max cruise: 174 kt
55% cruise: 165 kt
Vmc: 72 kt
Stall: 50-55 kt
1.3 Vso: 65 kt
ROC: 2000 fpm
SE ROC: 500 fpm @ 78 kt
SE ceiling: 10,500 ft
Min field length: 1100 ft. Fuel cap: 648/918 lb

Seguin Geronimo / Piper Apache
Engines: 2 x Lycoming O-360-A1D, 180 hp
TBO: 2000 hr
Fuel type: 100/100LL
Propeller: Hartzell, 2-blade, CS
Landing gear: Tri./retr.
Wingspan: 37 ft
Overall length: 31 ft. 6 in
Height: 31 ft. 6 in
Wing area: 207.6 sq. ft
Max ramp weight: 3800lb
Empty wt: 2500 lb
Usable fuel, normal: 108 USG / 648 lb
Optional fuel: 156 USG / 936 lb
Oil capacity: 8 qt
Wing loading: 19.3 lb/sq.ft
Pwr loading: 11.1 lb/hp
Max TO wt: 4000 lb
Equipped useful load: 1400 lb
Payload max fuel: 464 lb
Payload, full normal fuel: 729lb
Wheel base: 7 ft. 3 in.
Wheel track: 11 ft. 3 in.
Wheel size: 6.00 x 6 in
Cabin doors: 1
Cabin width (in.): 48
Cabin height (in.): 50
Cruise speed 75% power: 170 kt
Cruise speed 60% power: 163 kt
Cruise speed 55% power: 160 kt
Max range (w/ reserve): 75% power: 663 nm
Max range (w/ reserve) 60% power: 880 nm
Service ceiling: 23,000 ft
Vmc: 62 kt
Stall: 49-57 kt
1.3 Vso: 64 kt
Vso : 47kt
ROC: 1500 fpm
SE ROC: 800 fpm SL-300 ft
SE ROC: 700 fpm @ 82 kt
SE ceiling: 12,000 ft
Min field length: 650 ft
Takeoff ground roll: 400 ft
Landing ground roll: 400 ft
Landing over 50-ft. obstacle: 1400 ft
Seats: 5/6

Aztec Nomad
Engines: 250hp Lycoming IO-540
Props: seaplane
Wingspan: 40’2″
Length: 31’2″
Useful load: 2200 lb / as amphibian 1800 lb
Mac speed: 193 mph
Cruise: 153 mph
Stall: 54 mph
Range: 785 mi
Undercarriage: twin EDO float
Seats: 6

The four-place Piper Twin Stinson of 1952 was of steel-tube construction with fabric-covered fuselage and outer wing panels, and tricycle gear. Forerunner of Apache was acquired in a partial merger of companies in 1952.

First flying on 2 March 1952, N1953A c/n 23-01 flight tests at Piper revealed engine cooling problems— it was underpowered and suffered in single-engine handling as well—so 150hp Lycomings were installed with full-feathering props. The original twin tail was replaced by a single tail from a PA-6 and other features were modified to bring up prototype PA-23.

Engines: two 125hp Lycoming 0-290-D
Wingspan: 37’3″
Length: 31’2″
Seats: 4