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Aviation History
1982
1982 - 2704.PDF
PRIVATE FLIGHT OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ROYAL AERO CLUB Malibu-Piper's pressurised cabin-class single Cessna's P210 Centurion, unique as a production pres surised single since 1978, could be given a formidable challenge next year by Piper's new contender. The Malibu is not a blown-up Saratoga (de scendant of the Cherokee Six) as might have been expected, but a fresh design with a slim, high aspect-ratio wing and a big cabin-class fuselage that makes you think of a single- engined Navajo. Configured for six with club seating and a rear air-stair door, cabin width is 6in wider than the P210's, is fractionally more than the Seneca Ill's and very nearly as wide as a Navajo. The rear bulkhead is placed well aft so total cabin length is effectively longer than that of the P210 and Saratoga. At a ramp weight of 3,8671b the Malibu is 1471b less than a P210, yet useful load should be more, the Malibu being able to carry 25 Imp gal more than the P210. Early Flight estimates show that the Mal ibu should be able to carry full Malibu's cabin is up to business twin proportions fuel, four adults, and weekend baggage. Piper claims a maxi mum VFR range with 45min reserve of 1,340 n.m. at 75 per cent power, for a TAS cruise of more than 200kt. Six adults and baggage should be possi ble with 60 per cent fuel. The Malibu uses basically the same 310 h.p. Continental as the P210, and 5-51b/in2 pressurisation is designed to give an 8,000ft cabin up to 25,000ft. Optimum per formance altitude is likely to be around the 20,000ft mark, where fuel burn is estimated at 16 US gal/hr, or nearly 80 n.m.p.g. • Piper is not predicting a turboprop Malibu at present, but the aircraft certainly looks a prime contender for the turboprop single stakes. Hours flown to date exceed 400; FAA certification is ex pected around June 1983. PIPER PA46-310P PRELIMINARY DATA Dimensions Wingspan 43ft. 13.1m; length 28.4ft, 8.7m; height 11.3ft, 3.4m; cabin length 148in, 375.9cm; cabin width 49.5in, 125.7m; cabin height 47in, 119.4cm; cabin door size 24 x 46in, 61 x 116.8cm. Weights Ramp 3,8671b, 1,754kg; gross 3,850lb, 1.746kg; standard empty 2,2751b, 1,032kg; fuel capacity 122 US gal, 462lit; total baggage capacity—forward and aft 200lb, 90.8kg. Manufacturer's performance figures Cruise, mid-weight, optimum alti tude. 75 per cent power 208kt, 385km/hr; Range at same conditions 1,340 n.m., 2,482km; climb rate (sea level) 1,143ft min, 348 m/min; Stall (full flap) 58kt, 107km/hr; Take-off distance (to 50ft, 50m) 1,960ft, 597m; Landing distance 1,520ft, 463m. Initial panel design has plenty of room for comprehensive avionics 1670 FLIGHT International, 11 December 1982,
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