Aero Commander 500

The 500 series was developed from the Model 560E and was built in a number of variants. The Model 500A (99 built) first flew in 1960 and was powered by 2x 260hp (194kW) Lycomings. The maximum take-off weight was increased to 6250lb(2837kg). This was followed by the Model 500B (217 built) which was powered by 2X 290hp (216kW) Lycoming IO-540’s and had a maximum take-off weight of 6750lb(3064kg). The Model 500U Shrike Commander (56 built) first flew in 1961 and differed from the earlier Model 500’s in having a pointed nose and a square fin tip.The final variant was the Model 500S Shrike Commander (316 built) which was basically a Model 500U with minor improvements. Approximate numbers still in service are: Model 500 (50); Model 500A (40); Model 500B (110); Model 500U (10) and Model 500S (80).

N6164X                  c/n 1012-33                      USA
7 seat business aircraft first flown in 1958

Engines: 2x 250hp(186kW) Lycoming GO-540-A
Length: 35’1”(10.69m)                                                                                         Height: 14’6”(4.42m)
Wingspan: 49’6.5”(15.1m)                                                                                              No.built: 101
Range: 1100miles(1770km)                                                              Cruising speed: 205mph(330kmh) Empty weight: 3850lb(1748kg)                                              Maximum take-off weight: 6000lb(2724kg)

 An example of a Model 500S Shrike Commander is illustrated below.

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