Ted Smiths Aero Commander

By: Norm Goyer

You have heard me often mention the fact that I love to write about aircraft that I have had a personal experience with, and the Aero Commander Twins fit that category. We had three Grand Commanders, which we maintained, based at our Apple Valley facility. Continental Telephone Company then upgraded their Aerostar to a 690A Turbine Commander which our oldest son Peter flew as co-pilot for several years. We also stored and maintained a North American Rockwell B-26 On Mark conversion which Rockwell used for instrument testing.

This is an Air Force U-4B or L-26-AD Aero Commander 680. It was one of 15 680s purchased by the Air Force; this one was used for transportation by President Eisenhower.

It is impossible for any knowledgeable writer to discuss the Aero Commander without discussing its designer, Ted Smith. This aircraft engineer worked for Douglas and was part of the team who designed the World War II Douglas A-26 Invader. This aircraft’s inspiration was the Douglas A-20 Boston, a light bomber, that saw extended service during the early days of the European conflict. The shoulder wing with large vertical stabilizer became a trademark look for both the A-20 and the A-26. They were very fast, maneuverable, yet very easy-to-fly. The A-26 fought in World II, Korea and Vietnam. This aircraft was also modified into the On Mark a seven- to eight-passenger business aircraft in the 1950s. It was modified again into a water bomber for use in fire fighting. I have flown in the B-26, which is now owned by Kermit Weeks, at his Fantasy of Flight in Florida. The designation A-26 (Attack bomber) was changed to B-26 during Korea, as the aircraft’s primary use was as a bomber. The Douglas B-26 must not be confused with the Martin B-26 Marauder of World War II. No relation; other than both were used heavily during the war. The Martin “Widow Maker” is the one with the round fuselage, and a horizontal stabilizer with dihedral. Many pilots paid a heavy price for not paying attention during their B-26 checkout time. This was one aircraft that you didn’t slow down and pull the nose up in a turn, or you became a statistic.

One of the best light attack bombers every built was the Douglas A-26/B-26 Invader, co-designed by Ted Smith. It fought in three wars. Note the similarity to the Aero Commander Twins.

After the war gods were appeased, Ted Smith remembered how well the A-20 and the A-26 flew. He was an early visionary who could see the demand for light, safe, fast personal transportation for small industries and businessman who needed to get from here to there in a hurry and in comfort. In 1946, Smith gathered together 14 of the best design engineers he knew and started building a new type of private aircraft. The Twin Commander was intended to fill the business aviation void he perceived. In 1948, the first Twin Commander took flight. When extensive test flights proved the airplane was better than any other light twin ever designed, the tough job of financing was tackled. In 1950, three wealthy investors were found and Aero Design and Engineering Company was formed. The plant was located at Wiley Post International Airport, just outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In May of 1951, to kick off their product’s advertising, the company flew their new aircraft at full maximum takeoff weight from Oklahoma City to Washington, D.C. with one propeller removed.

The record-breaking single-engine flight was such a success that the company found itself in a backorder situation almost immediately. The first production Twin Commander delivered was the Model 520 with two Lycoming engines. The second production version was the Model 560 and 560A which had a slightly larger cabin and more powerful engines. In 1955, the Air Force was so impressed with the single-engine capability of the 560, that fifteen were ordered, with two for the exclusive use of the then-President Dwight Eisenhower. It was the first civilian aircraft ever approved for Presidential use. In 1958, the first pressurized Twin Commander was introduced for those who wanted the safety and smooth flying that increased altitude afforded.Ted Smith designed the Twin Commander; all future versions were modifications of the original. Smith later designed the Ted Smith Aerostar, which was purchased by Piper.

In 1964, the first 680T Aero Commander was introduced, powered with two small prop jet turbine engines made by Air Research. The introduction of turbine power got the attention of the entire aircraft industry.

In 1966, Aero Design was purchased by Rockwell Standard and renamed Aero Commander Division. In 1967, Rockwell Standard merged with North American to become North American Rockwell. Aero Commander Division then became General Aviation Division. In 1979, the Model 690 Jet Prop series was introduced. This new version was upgraded in every area including cabin size. Wing span, and wing area were increased, anti-icing devices were installed, along with a heated windshield. Upgraded avionics, more powerful Air Research engines and propellers also distinguished the new model.\r\n
Ted Smith designed the Twin Commander; all future versions were modifications of the original. Smith later designed the Ted Smith Aerostar, which was purchased by Piper.
In 1980, Rockwell sold its Aero Commander holdings to Gulfstream. Further upgrades were included in the Model 900 and the version, Model 1000, which was the most powerful advanced twin-engine aircraft for business and corporate use ever released. Gulfstream decided to concentrate on their larger pure-jet corporate aircraft and only produced the 900 and 1000 before selling their rights in 1988, to Commander Aircraft.

Literally millions have watched the great Bob Hoover perform in his Shrike Commander, a revised Twin Commander. These airshow performances convinced many to purchase an Aero Commander for their business or personal use.

The Aero Commander or the Twin Commander was indeed the benchmark aircraft for early business and corporate travel. The aircraft, and its designer Ted Smith, pioneered the way for business aircraft of the future. Ted Smith went on to design the Ted Smith Aerostar which became the Piper Aerostar which followed the familiar Smith trademark, sleek-looking and very fast.