Summary Aero Commander 520 set new standards in general aviation. The Model 520 influenced the design and success of future Aero Commander models. The Aero Commander series was a landmark in aviation history.
The Aero Commander series, notably the Model 520, represents a landmark in the evolution of general aviation. It was among the first all-metal, twin-engine aircraft designed specifically for civilian use, and it played a pivotal role in setting new standards for performance, reliability, and comfort in light aircraft. Developed by the Aero Design and Engineering Company, the Aero Commander 520 was introduced in 1948.
It quickly became a significant player in the aviation market, catering to various users, from private owners to government agencies. History of the Aero Commander A renowned aeronautical design engineer, Ted Smith, designed the twin-engine Aero Commander. Smith created other general aviation aircraft, such as the Ted Smith Aerostar.
A former project engineer at Douglas Aircraft Company, Smith assembled a team of 14 engineers to design the Aero Commander, and the prototype flew on April 23, 1948. Throughout its history, Aero Commander was built by several companies: Aero Design and Engineering Company : Founded in 1944, this company designed and manufactured the Aero Commander. The Aero Design and Engineering Company built several Aero Commander twin-engine aircraft models.
Some notable models include Aero Commander 520, the first production model introduced in 1951. Aero Commander 560 and 560A: Introduced in 1954, these models featured a larger cabin and more powerful Lycoming piston engines. Aero Commander 680: Introduced in 1955, this model included various improvements and modifications.
Aero Commander 720 Alti-Cruiser: The first pressurized business aircraft, introduced in 1958. Rockwell-Standard Corporation : Acquired the company in 1958 and continued production under Aero Commander Inc. Rockwell is best known for designing and manufacturing the Rockwell Commander 690 turboprop version of the Commander series.
Gulfstream Aerospace: Acquired Commander production in 1981 and continued until the company ceased aircraft production in 1986. Gulfstream designed and built the advanced Commander 890, 900, and 1000 turboprops, which are powered by Garrett AirResearch TPE-331 turbine engines. The post-World War II era was a period of tremendous innovation and growth in the aviation industry.
The war had accelerated technological advancements, and with the transition to peacetime, there was a strong demand for new business and personal aircraft. During 1945-1955, the market was dominated by single-engine aircraft, with twin-engine designs primarily reserved for larger, more expensive models used in military or commercial aviation. The few light twin-engine aircraft were repurposed derivatives of airplanes built for military use.
Examples are the Beechcraft C-45, a mostly metal monocoque fuselage with fabric-covered control surfaces constructed for military use. The Cessna T-50 "Bamboo Bomber" had a wood and fabric airframe. The light aircraft has shown its adaptability across the industry.
The Aero Commander filled a gap in the market, offering a reliable and efficient twin-engine option accessible to a broader audience. The move to all-metal construction was a more significant trend during the late 1940s and early 1950s, as the industry shifted away from the traditional wood-and-fabric designs that had characterized earlier aircraft. This transition met the demand for increased durability, safety, and performance, all realized in the Aero Commander.
Design and Development The Aero Commander 520 was the first model in the series and served as the foundation for a long line of successful aircraft. It was a high-wing monoplane with a relatively advanced, fully retractable tricycle landing gear. It could accommodate up to seven passengers, making it an attractive option for business travel and corporate use.
One of the most significant innovations of the Model 520 was its all-metal construction. This design choice provided several advantages, including enhanced durability and a longer service life than the wood-and-fabric aircraft that preceded it. The metal construction also allowed for a more streamlined and aerodynamic design, contributing to the aircraft's performance.
Powered by two Lycoming GSO-480 engines, the Model 520 could reach a cruise speed of approximately 215 mph and range around 1,000 miles. These capabilities made it a versatile aircraft suitable for many missions, from short-haul corporate flights to longer trips. The Aero Commander's design prioritized stability and ease of handling.
Its high-wing configuration and twin-engine layout provided excellent visibility and safety, particularly in engine-out scenarios. These characteristics made the Aero Commander a favorite among pilots, who appreciated its forgiving flight characteristics and reliability. To demonstrate the safety of the Aero Commander 520, the company flew the aircraft on a cross-country flight on a single engine.
In 1950, Aero Design and Engineering removed one of the two-bladed propellers to showcase its single-engine safety and performance, secured it in the aft cabin, and flew from Bethany, OK, to Washington, D.C., on one engine.
Operational Use and Legacy The Aero Commander quickly gained popularity across various sectors. Its speed, range, and passenger capacity appealed to corporate and charter operators. The aircraft's performance caught the attention of the U.
S. military and government agencies, which used various variants of the Aero Commander for multiple roles. These included reconnaissance, transport, and personal transport for high-ranking officials.
One of the Aero Commander's most publicized missions was carrying President Dwight D. Eisenhower . The U.
S. military variant of the aircraft, known as the L-26, was used by Eisenhower for short trips, earning the aircraft a place in aviation history. This presidential connection helped elevate the profile of the Aero Commander, further cementing its reputation as a reliable and capable aircraft.
The model 520 was the first in a long line The success of the Model 520 led to several other models in the Aero Commander series, each with improvements and modifications to meet the evolving needs of the aviation market. These later models included different engine configurations, increased passenger capacity, and enhanced performance capabilities. However, the original Model 520 remains a key milestone in aviation history, representing a technological leap in the design and construction of light twin-engine aircraft.
The Aero Commander series, starting with the Model 520, was groundbreaking in general aviation. As one of the first successful all-metal, twin-engine aircraft designed for civil use, it set new standards for durability, performance, and reliability. The Aero Commander's desCommander'sles and operational success have had a lasting impact on the aviation industry, influencing the development of future aircraft and cementing its place as an enduring icon in aviation history.
Technical data for the Aero Commander 520: Engines: Two Lycoming GO-435-C engines, each producing 260 horsepower. Maximum Speed: 211 mph (340 km/h). Cruise Speed: 196 mph (315 km/h).
Service Ceiling: 24,400 feet (7,437 meters). Range: 850 miles (1,368 kilometers). Gross Weight: 5,400 lbs.
(2,449 kg). Empty Weight: 3,800 lbs. (1,724 kg).
An adaptable utility civilian aircraft, converted to military aircraft and business jet..
