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U-4 /
L-26 #
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%20(8X4).JPG) |
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Photo:
Robert Deering 10/18/2012 National Museum of the USAF Dayton, Ohio |
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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 |
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