The PA-42 Cheyenne III was announced in September 1977. The first production Cheyenne III flew for the first time on May 18, 1979 and FAA certification was granted in early 1980. Compared with the Cheyenne II, the PA-42-720 was about 1 m longer, was powered by 537 kW PT6A-41 turboprops and introduced a T-tail, the most obvious external difference between the PA-31T and PA-42, as well as the most significant change to the series. Deliveries of production Cheyenne IIIs began on June 30, 1980.
Cheyenne 400
In the late 1970s, Piper avoided developing a clean-sheet light business jet to compete with the Cessna Citation I and upgraded its PT6As from Honeywell TPE331-14s. The PA-42-1000 Cheyenne IV was certified in 1984, 44 were built until 1991 and 37 remain in service in 2018. Due to its top speed over 400 mph, it was renamed the Cheyenne 400LS when Lear Siegler owned Piper, then the Cheyenne 400. Flat rated to ISA+37, the turboprops maintain their power to almost. The Dowty Rotol propellers had four round-tip composite blades and of ground clearance. Its empennage was enlarged for stability at higher speeds and altitudes, and its fuselage was strengthened. Pressurization was increased to to elevate its ceiling from while maintaining a cabin. Its top speed is and it was faster than the Citation I on most trips while burning one-third less fuel. It can cruise at the same long-range speed over, more. It can carry eight passengers farther than a King Air 200 while cruising faster. It can operate out of runways with a minimum control speed, similar to a King Air 300. It can operate from much shorter hot and high runways than a Citation I and landing is shortened by the rotating speedbrake effect of the propellers in beta pitch. It can climb directly to FL 410 at its MTOW and typical single-pilot BOWs are. It can hold of fuel plus two passengers with baggage, while each extra passenger costs of range. It has a 98% dispatch reliability and its cabin is quieter than a King Air. It has 100-hr. inspection intervals, engine midlife inspections are due at 1,500 hr. and overhauls come at 3,000 hr. The fuselage is limited to 15,000 hours, while the wing and empennage have 20,000-hr. life limits.
Cheyenne IIIA, model PA-42-720, equipped with PT6A-61 engines.
Cheyenne IV, model PA-42-1000, later the Cheyenne 400LS, and then Cheyenne 400. This is the largest aircraft ever made by Piper, with 43 built. Powered by Garrett TPE-331 engines, and four-blade props.
Customs High Endurance Tracker , special surveillance version of the Cheyenne III, fitted with an AN/APG-66 radar and a ventral FLIR; nine built for the U.S. Customs Service.
Specifications
Operators
The aircraft is operated by private individuals, companies and executive charter operators. A number of companies also use the aircraft as part of fractional ownership programs.
