Aztec Piper PA-23

an ex-united states navy u-11a on display @ pima air & space museum

the same year, piper produced upgraded version 250 hp (186 kw) lycoming o-540 engines , swept vertical tail pa-23-250, , named aztec. first models came in five-seat configuration in 1959. in 1961 longer nosed variant, aztec b, entered production. later aztecs equipped io-540 fuel-injected engines , six-seat capacity, , remained in production until 1982. there turbocharged versions of later models, fly @ higher altitude.

the united states navy acquired 20 aztecs, designating them uo-1, changed u-11a when unified designations adopted in 1962.

in 1974, piper produced single experimental pa-41p pressurized aztec concept. concept short-lived, however, aspects of aztec made popular spacious interior , ability haul large loads did not lend supporting sealed pressure vessel required pressurized aircraft. project scrapped, , 1 pressurized aztec produced, n9941p, donated mississippi state university, used testing purposes. in 2000, n9941p donated piper aviation museum in lock haven, pennsylvania, on condition never flown again. there on display.