Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche - Variants

Variants

Three versions of the PA30 were produced: the original, a B model, and a C model. The B and C models can carry six passengers and can be identified by the additional side windows. Factory turbocharged engines became available in 1965. Turbo models can be identified by the presence of vents on the nacelle sides. These use Rajay turbochargers with manual wastegates operated by twin knobs under the throttle quadrant. They are properly termed "turbonormalized" since the compression ratio and maximum manifold pressure remained unchanged. Pilots are required to use care to avoid overboosting at low altitudes, since no overboost popoff valves are used. Since there is no accompanying power increase, the B/C models simply give owners a fuel vs. passenger tradeoff. The two rearmost seats, occupying the baggage compartment, are quite small.

PA-30 Twin Comanche

Four-seat twin-engined cabin aircraft. PA-24 with engine removed and nose faired in and powered by two 160-hp (119-kW) Lycoming IO-320-B1A engines in wing mounted nacelles. Optional turbos were Rayjay models as on later iterations, but kept the B1A version of the engines.

PA-30B Twin Comanche

PA-30 with a third cabin window on each side and an optional fifth or sixth seat.

PA-30B Turbo Twin Comanche

Turbonormalized version of the PA-30B Twin Comanche, powered by two Rayjay turbonormalized IO-320-C1A piston engines.

PA-30C Twin Comanche

Twin Comanche B with new instrument panel, switches, and other minor variations. Optional turbonormalized version.

PA-30-200 Twin Comanche B

Experimental PA-30 with two 200hp Lycoming engines, one only from Piper.

PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R

PA-30 with counter-rotating 160hp Lycoming IO-320-B1A engines and modified wing leading edges.

PA-39 Turbo Twin Comanche C/R

Turbocharged version of the PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R.

Piper PA-40 Arapaho

Developed and fully certified version of PA-39 with entirely different wing and extensive fuselage modifications. Three prototypes only.