Commander Aircraft has revamped its line of high-performance piston singles and is stepping up production to meet increased demand. The new Commander 115 incorporates airframe, engine, avionics and systems refinements. It has replaced the Commander 114 on the production line at the company, which is based at Bethany, Oklahoma.
Commander acquired the former Rockwell single-engine aircraft line in 1988 and made a number of improvements to the design, resulting in certification of the Commander 114B in 1992 and turbocharged 114TC in 1995. The Commander 115 incorporates upgrades developed since then, including a long-range wing, and updated avionics, including dual Garmin GNS 430 global positioning, navigation and communication systems.
The Commander 115 is available in non-aspirated, turbo-charged and trainer versions, says Wirt Walker, chief executive of Commander Aircraft's parent company, Aviation General. The base price has increased by about 10% to $425,000, and to $472,000 for the turbocharged aircraft.
The company is increasing production to 20-25 aircraft this year, up from 13 in 1999, and anticipates increasing the rate again next year. Despite this, Commander wants to keep production "low and slow". "Customers have to wait, but it gives them a chance to 'spec' the avionics, interior and paint," says Walker.
Source: Flight International
