Notes:
The Aero
Commander has unique and sorted history.
Founded in
1944 by two former Douglas employees
(Ted Smith being one), Aero Engineering
Company and introduced the first AC 520
in 1948. In 1950 they changed
their name to Aero Design & Engineering
Company introducing the AC680 in
1954.
In 1960
Rockwell-Standard acquires the firm.
In 1962 Rockwell also acquires
Intermountain Manufacturing who produced
many famous Ag Sprayers including the
CallAir 9 and later the Ag Commander A-9
which are as popular today as a crop
dusters as they were 40 years ago.
In 1967
Rockwell merges with North American (the
P-51 guys), and formed North American
Rockwell with the Aero Commander and Crop
Dusters becoming part of the General
Aviation Division.
Then, in 1971
North American Rockwell in partnership
with Industrias Unidasforms forms
Aeronautica Agricola Mexicana SA and takes
over the Crop Duster production.
In 1980
Rockwell sold the General Aviation
Division (Aero Commander), to Gulfstream
who in turn dumps the company in 1988 to
Commander Aircraft.
Through all
this the Aero Commander was last produced
in 1980. Today,
Commander Aircraft is known for the
Commander 115 series.
Did you know
the AC680 was the smallest air Force One (1956-1960). |