Музей авиации Piper получил единственный сохранившийся экземпляр экспериментального самолета PA-40 Arapaho

Trending LOCK HAVEN-- The Piper Aviation Museum is proud to announce the addition of an exceptionally rare aircraft to its collection: a Piper PA-40 Arapaho, generously donated to the museum by Tom Rhines of Temple, Texas. The Arapaho is an especially significant addition to the museum because only three PA-40 aircraft were ever built, and this is the only surviving example. The aircraft represents an important, but little-known, chapter in Piper Aircraft history and provides visitors with an opportunity to see one of Piper's experimental aircraft projects from the 1970s. A Piper aircraft that almost made production The PA-40 Arapaho was developed as a modern successor to the Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R. It was designed as a six-seat, twin-engine aircraft with two counter-rotating Lycoming IO-320 engines. The Arapaho featured several improvements over the Twin Comanche, including larger cabin windows, taller landing gear and aerodynamic refinements. The first Arapaho prototype, registered N9999P, was affected by the devastating flood that struck Piper's Lock Haven facility in 1972. After repairs and continued development, it made its first flight on Jan. 16, 1973. Unfortunately, that aircraft was later lost during flight testing. Piper subsequently constructed two additional Arapahos. The second aircraft incorporated design changes resulting from the first prototype's flight testing, while the third was equipped with turbocharged engines. The PA-40 was type certificated in 1974, and Piper planned to introduce it as a 1975 model. However, changing economic conditions and a weakening market for light twin-engine aircraft led Piper to cancel the program in December 1974. The company determined that establishing a new production line during the recession was not financially practical. The last Arapaho Following cancellation of the program, the remaining aircraft continued to have interesting lives. One was eventually scrapped, while the third aircraft survived and spent years associated with the Purdue University aviation maintenance program. It was later rescued and restored, returning to the air after decades on the ground. That makes the aircraft donated by Tom Rhines particularly important. It is not simply a rare Piper -- it is the last surviving PA-40 Arapaho. The aircraft's journey from a Piper experimental project in Lock Haven, through years of use and preservation and ultimately to the Piper Aviation Museum brings the story full circle. Preserving Piper's history The addition of the PA-40 Arapaho strengthens the Piper Aviation Museum's mission of preserving and sharing the history of Piper Aircraft and the people who designed, built, flew and maintained its airplanes. "We are extremely grateful to Tom Rhines for this extraordinary donation," museum president Ron Dremel said. "The PA-40 Arapaho is a one-of-a-kind piece of Piper history. Having the only surviving Arapaho here in Lock Haven allows visitors to experience firsthand an aircraft that was developed at Piper but never entered series production." For aviation enthusiasts, Piper historians and visitors interested in the story of Piper Aircraft, the Arapaho offers a rare glimpse into the company's continuing efforts to develop new aircraft and meet the changing needs of general aviation. The museum is honored to preserve this unique aircraft and share its story with future generations. From three built to one survivor -- the Piper PA-40 Arapaho has found a fitting home back in the heart of Piper country.