Rockwell Aero Commander 500S Shrike Commander
Rockwell International · United States · first flew 1967 · light aircraft
The Aero Commander 500S Shrike Commander is a refined high-performance variant of the Aero Commander series, featuring fuel-injected Lycoming IO-540 engines and a redesigned nose. It continues the distinguished Aero Commander tradition of high-wing twin executive aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.22 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing twin piston executive transport with distinctive gull wing
- Retractable tricycle undercarriage on a high-wing twin
- Prominent twin tail and characteristic high-aspect-ratio straight wing
The high-wing configuration with retractable undercarriage is unusual and distinctive; the straight high-aspect-ratio wing and twin tail fins further identify Aero Commander variants from competing low-wing light twins.
Specifications
- The Rockwell Aero Commander 500S Shrike Commander has a length of 11.22 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.95 m (49 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 340 km/h (211 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 + 5 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Aero Commander line dates to the early 1950s, built by the Aero Design and Engineering Company and eventually passing through Rockwell Standard and Rockwell International ownership. The 500S Shrike Commander variant introduced in the late 1960s featured the 290 hp Lycoming IO-540 engines and became a popular corporate and utility transport.
Variants
The Aero Commander 500 series includes many sub-variants; the Shrike Commander name distinguishes the fuel-injected high-performance models from earlier carburetted versions. The turboprop-powered Turbo Commander was developed in parallel.
Where you'll see it
Widely used for corporate transport and air taxi work in North and South America and internationally; military examples served several air forces in the liaison and VIP transport roles.
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- Rockwell Sabreliner 65
- Thrush Commander
- Rockwell-MBB X-31
- Aeritalia/Aermacchi AM-3
- Beagle Pup
- Bellanca Viking
- Cessna 401A
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