PIPER PA-15/PA-17 “VAGABOND”/PA-16 “CLIPPER”

1948’€“49

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Introduced shortly after Piper resumed activities (1948-1949), the PA-15 Vagabond and PA-17 trainer were both 2-seat aircraft, typically equipped with 65-hp engines.
  • The PA-15 served as a forerunner for subsequent Piper models, including the Clipper, Pacer, and Tri-Pacer.
  • Production of the PA-15 and PA-17 was limited, likely overshadowed by the concurrent 1949 release of the more powerful, four-seat PA-16 Clipper.
  • The PA-16 Clipper, featuring a 115-hp Lycoming engine, was more successful and eventually evolved into the PA-20 Pacer.
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STANDARD DATA: (PA-15) Seats 2. Gross wt. 1,100. Empty wt. 620. Fuel capacity 36. Engine 65-hp, Continental.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 100. Cruise mph 90. Stall mph 45. Initial climb rate 510. Range 250. Ceiling 10,000. Takeoff run 900. Landing roll 300.STANDARD DATA: (PA-16) Seats 4. Gross wt. 1,500. Empty wt. 800. Fuel capacity 36. Engine 115-hp Lycoming.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 125. Cruise mph 112. Stall mph 50. Initial climb rate 600. Range 480. Ceiling 11,000. Takeoff run 720. Landing roll 600.

STANDARD DATA:
(PA-17) Top mph 100. Cruise mph 90. Stall mph 45. Initial climb rate 530. Ceiling 10,500. Range 250. Takeoff run 800. Landing roll 300.

The PA-15 entered production in 1948 and was one of the first to appear after Piper had temporarily suspended its activities. Originally powered by a 65-hp Lycoming engine, the PA-15 Vagabond was a side-byside two-seater and a forerunner of a new series that would come to include the Clipper, Pacer, and ultimately the Tri-Pacer. The PA-17, introduced in 1949, was primarily intended to serve as a trainer and with a 65-hp, Continental installed. The PA-15 and PA-17 were not built in large quantities, perhaps due to the fourseat PA-16 Clipper, which was also produced in 1949. The PA-16 housed a 115-hp Lycoming engine and subsequently evolved into the PA-20 Pacer.

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