The Aero Commander 100 was a light aircraft that was designed in the 1960s by Volaircraft, a small company in Pennsylvania. It was a high-wing monoplane with a metal structure and a fixed tricycle landing gear. It had a spacious cabin with 360° visibility and could seat three or four passengers, depending on the model. It was powered by a single piston engine that varied from 150 to 180 horsepower.
Volaircraft sold the design to Aero Commander, a larger company that specialized in twin-engine aircraft. Aero Commander renamed the aircraft as the Darter Commander and Lark Commander, and made some modifications to improve its performance and appeal. However, the aircraft faced stiff competition from other popular models, such as the Cessna 172 and the Piper Cherokee. It also suffered from some technical problems, such as wing flutter and engine overheating. As a result, the sales were disappointing and Aero Commander discontinued the production in 1971, after building only 259 units.
The Aero Commander 100 was an innovative and versatile aircraft that had some unique features, but it failed to achieve commercial success. It is now a rare and collectible item for aviation enthusiasts.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 3 passengers
- Length: 22 ft 6 in (6.86 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft 0 in (10.67 m)
- Height: 9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
- Wing area: 181 sq ft (16.8 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,280 lb (581 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,250 lb (1,021 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 44 US Gallons (166.5 L)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320-A air-cooled flat-four, 150 hp (110 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 133 mph (214 km/h, 116 kn)
- Cruise speed: 128 mph (206 km/h, 111 kn) at 7,500 ft (2,285 m) (75% power)
- Stall speed: 55 mph (89 km/h, 48 kn) flaps down
- Never exceed speed: 170 mph (270 km/h, 150 kn)
- Range: 510 mi (820 km, 440 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 13,000 ft (4,000 m)
- Rate of climb: 785 ft/min (3.99 m/s)