Piper PA-31T Cheyenne X
Aerosoft GmbH 2007
6 7
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Piper Cheyenne by Digital Aviation and
Aerosoft. We hope that you will have as much fun with it as we had
while creating it. For many years, the Cheyenne series of business
aircraft was one of the most successful for Piper. It started in the mid
sixties, when Piper decided to redesign its pressurized model „Navajo”
to accommodate propeller turbines as propulsion. On August 29th
1969 the prototype took off for his maiden flight, but it took almost
another five years until the first production aircraft went into service.
The control surfaces and flight controls had to be reworked several
times, because the higher speeds were a strain to the cell. Further-
more, a flooding of Pipers production facility in Lock Haven delayed
deliveries.
On October 22nd 1973, the maiden flight of the first production
aircraft Piper Cheyenne PA31T took place – powered by two
Pratt&Whitney PT6A-28s engines, developing 620hp each. When
Piper expanded the family in 1978 with a decreased variant (PT6A-11,
500hp), they renamed the initial aircraft in „Cheyenne II” and the new
variant became “Cheyenne I”. Improvements like more power, redesigned
cowlings and a new interior lead to the „Cheyenne IA”. In addition
to that, Piper stretched the Cheyenne II and built in a fourth cabin
window. Equipped with PT6A-135s (750hp) engines and an increased
MTOW by 180kg/400lb – this variant became the „Cheyenne IIXL”. In
total, 823 Cheyennes had been built, 526 Cheyenne and Cheyenne II,
215 Cheyenne I and IA, and 82 IIXL, when the production was discon-
tinued in the mid eighties. Even twenty years later, the PA31T models
have an excellent reputation for being spacious, uncomplicated and
reliable aircraft and therefore enjoy great popularity.
Our add-on features all four mentioned variants, each in three liveries
from different countries. All models possess a highly detailed 2D-panel
with various view options, a completely functional 3D cockpit with vir-
tual cabin, two different sound sets and of course a true to the original
model with many ground objects, like Ground Power Unit, towing
equipment, chock blocks and pylons.