Aero Commander 500
Aero Commander / Rockwell International · United States · first flew 1948 · light aircraft
The Aero Commander 500 family is a line of twin-engine high-wing executive aircraft that became synonymous with US government and corporate aviation in the 1950s and 1960s. President Dwight Eisenhower famously used the type, giving it the nickname 'The President's Plane'.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin-piston high-wing executive transport with distinctive upswept rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-piston high-wing executive transport with distinctive upswept rear fuselage
- Retractable tricycle undercarriage with nacelle-mounted main gear
- Club seating in a stand-up cabin — unusually spacious for its class
The high-mounted tapered wing, retractable tricycle gear with nacelle-mounted main wheels, and upswept tail distinguish the Commander family; the spacious stand-up cabin is evident in the deep fuselage cross-section.
Specifications
- The Aero Commander 500 has a length of 13.1 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.2 m (47 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 340 km/h (211 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Ted Smith and first flown in 1948, the Commander was one of the first purpose-built executive twin-engine aircraft. It entered production in 1952 and was continuously developed through numerous variants. Rockwell International acquired the line in 1965 and continued development.
Variants
The family spans models 500 through 720, with progressive increases in engine power, wingspan, and cabin refinement. Turboprop variants were marketed as Turbo Commander and Jetprop Commander.
Where you'll see it
Widely operated by US and international business and government operators; many examples remain in private and utility service worldwide.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.