Aero Commander
U-4 / L-26
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Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)

Dayton, Ohio
The military version of the Aero Commander 500 series was initially designated as L-26 but changed in 1962 to U-4 for the United States Air Force and U-9 for the United States Army.

The U-4B was used by President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1956 to 1960 for short trips. It was the smallest Air Force One, and the first presidential aircraft to have only two engines. It was also the first presidential aircraft to carry the familiar blue and white paint scheme.


After President Eisenhower left office the aircraft was used for transporting high-ranking government officials. On Oct. 1, 1969, it was transferred to the Air Force Academy, where it was used for cadet parachute training and the Academy’s skydiving team. In November 1977 the U-4B was sent to the Nebraska Civil Air Patrol. It was obtained by the museum from a private owner in 1996.

YL-26 / YU-9A, Aero Commander 520 evaluated by the US Army, 3 built.

YL-26A, Aero Commander 560 evaluated by the US Air Force, 1 built.

L-26B / U-4A, Aero Commander 560A sold to the US Air Force, 14 built.

L-26B / U-9B Aero Commander 560A sold to the US Army, 1 built.

L-26C / U-4B, Aero Commander 680 Super sold to the US Air Force, 2 built.

L-26C / U-9C, Aero Commander 680 Super sold to the US Army, 4 built.

RL-26D / RU-9D, Aero Commander 680 for US Army fitted with SLAR (side looking airborne radar), 2 built.

NL-26D / NU-9D, 1 built

SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span:  44 ft 1 in. Maximum speed:  260 mph/225 knots
Length:  35 ft 5 in. Cruising speed:  230 mph/l99 knots
Height:  14 ft 9.5 in. Range:  1,500 statute miles/1,300 nautical miles
Empty Weight:  4,300 lbs. Service ceiling:  24,300 ft.
Gross Weight:  7,000 lbs. loaded  
Crew: 
Engines:  Two Lycoming GSO 480-AiA6 of 340 hp each
Armament:  None
   
SOURCE:  National Museum of the United States Air Force / Wikipedia