TYPE: Four-seat lightplane.

PROGRAMME: Introduced (as Cherokee Challenger 180) 9 October 1972 as successor to Cherokee 180; Archer 180, featuring minor changes, available from 1974; PA-28-181 Archer II launched 1976, and since 1978 has featured the tapered wings of Warrior II; Archer III from 1994, with axisymmetric engine inlets, redesigned windscreen and cabin side windows, plus interior restyling and improvements.

CUSTOMERS: 37 Archer IIIs delivered in 1995, and 45 each in 1996 and 1997; 91 in 1998; 100 in 1999, 102 in 2000, 88 in 2001, 38 in 2002, and 39 in the first nine months of 2003.

Description of the Warrior III applies also to Archer III except as follows:

COSTS: Standard, equipped US$205,500 (2003).

LANDING GEAR: Tricycle type. Tyres size 6.00-6 (4 ply), on all three wheels. Mainwheel tyre pressure 1.65 bar (24 lb/sq in), nosewheel 1.24 bar (18 lb/sq in). Cleveland high-capacity disc brakes. Parking brake. Wheel speed fairings standard.

POWER PLANT: One 134 kW (180 hp) Textron Lycoming O-360-A4M flat-four engine, driving a Sensenich 76EM8S14-O-62 two-blade fixed-pitch metal propeller. Fuel in two tanks in wing leading-edges, with total capacity of 189 litres (50.0 US gallons; 41.6 Imp gallons), of which 181.5 litres (48.0 US gallons; 40.0 Imp gallons) are usable. Oil capacity 7.5 litres (2.0 US gallons; 1.7 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Four persons in pairs in enclosed cabin. Individual adjustable front seats, with dual controls; individual rear seats. Large door on starboard side. Baggage compartment at rear of cabin; door on starboard side. Rear seats removable to provide 1.3 m³ (44 cu ft) cargo space. Accommodation heated and ventilated. Windscreen defrosting.

SYSTEMS: 28 V 70 A alternator and 24 V 10 Ah battery.

AVIONICS: Standard Garmin International and Meggitt package, as for Warrior III. Optional Premium Select package adds second GNS-430 and GI-106A VOR/LOC/GS/GPS indicator, Meggitt System 55X dual-axis autopilot with automatic electric trim, DG with heading bug and trim indicator and Meggitt ST-360 altitude preselect.
Comms: Garmin GMA-340 audio panel with marker beacon receiver and stereo intercom; GTX-327 solid-state transponder; Telex 100T microphone and Airman 760 headset.
Flight: GI-106A VOR/LOC/GS/COM/GPS indicator standard. ADI/HSI, RCR 650D ADF and DME 450, optional.
Instrumentation: Standard GNS-430 high-resolution colour LCD MFD with GI-106A VOR/LOC/GS/GPS indicator. WX500 Stormscope and Sky 497 Skywatch with GNS interface optional.

EQUIPMENT: Standard equipment generally as for Warrior III except: polished propeller spinner, metal instrument panel, illuminated side-mounted OAT gauge, overhead switch panel, EGT gauge, flush locking fuel caps, overhead vent fan system, restyled windscreen and window lines with tinted transparencies, full chemical corrosion protection, Aztec Silver interior decor, DuPont Imron 6000 clearcoat/basecoat and exterior paint, wool carpeting and Hobnail side panels, passenger armrests and headrests. Additional options include Piper Aire air conditioning, carburettor ice detector, stainless steel cowling fasteners; Meggitt electric trim, low-noise exhaust system and leather seats in choice of three colours.