PIPER “PAWNEE”€/”BRAVE”€

1959’€“81

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Piper introduced the PA-25 Pawnee in 1959 as a single-seat agricultural duster-sprayer, later followed by the larger Pawnee Brave in 1975.
  • A primary design focus for the Pawnee series was maximum pilot safety, incorporating features such as a reinforced cockpit, dual safety exits, wire cutters, and a protective head cushion.
  • The Pawnee D typically uses a 235-hp Lycoming engine and carries 1,200 lbs of chemicals, while the Brave features a 285-300-hp Continental engine and a larger capacity of 1,900 lbs.
  • Performance varies between models, with the Brave generally offering higher speeds and capacity but requiring longer takeoff distances compared to the Pawnee D.
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Piper Pawnee II

Piper Brave 300
STANDARD DATA: (Brave restricted category) Seats 1. Gross wt. 4,400. Empty wt. 2,225. Fuel capacity 89. Engine 300-hp Continental.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 125. Cruise mph 106. Stall mph 67. Initial climb rate 355. Range 515. Takeoff distance (50′) 2,600. Landing distance (50′) 1,470.
STANDARD DATA: (Pawnee D with duster) Seats 1. Gross wt. 2,900. Empty wt. 1,479. Fuel capacity 38. Engine 235-hp Lycoming.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 110. Cruise mph 100. Stall mph 46. Initial climb rate 500. Range 255. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,470. Landing roll 850.

Piper’s version of an agricultural duster-sprayer is the PA-25 Pawnee. First produced in August 1959, the single-seat chemical applicator was designed especially to give maximum pilot safety. The pilot sits high, gaining good visibility both forward and rearward. Safety exits are installed on both sides of the specially strengthened enclosed cockpit, and a steel tube “turnover” structure is built in. A wire cutter is mounted on the center of the windshield, and there is a cable from the top of the cockpit to the top of the rudder to deflect wires or cables. Inside the cockpit, a rounded sheet-metal cushion above the instrument panel protects the pilot’s head in case of a crash. The Pawnee is built with rectangular-section welded steel tube with fabric covering and Duraclad plastic finish. The chemical hopper in the Pawnee D carries 150 gallons or 1,200 pounds of chemicals, and the power to deliver it comes from either a 235- or 260-hp Lycoming. In 1975, the Pawnee Brave entered the lineup with its 285-hp Continental, a hopper with a capacity of 1,900 pounds or 225 gallons, and a larger sprayer.

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