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| STANDARD DATA: Seats 4. Gross wt. 3,000. Empty wt. 1,940. Fuel capacity 80. Engine 285-hp Lycoming. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 235. Cruise mph 215. Stall mph 54. Range 1,060. Ceiling 18,500. Initial climb rate 1,450. Takeoff run (50′) 1,200. Landing distance (50′) 1,150. STANDARD DATA: Seats 4. Gross wt. 3,000. Empty wt. 1,870. Fuel capacity 80. Engine 260-hp Continental. |
The Aero Commander 200 began as a product of the Meyers Aircraft Co. In its hands, the airplane evolved from the two-place Meyers 145 to the Meyers 200 that was initially produced with a 240-hp engine. Small numbers of this model were produced until the design was acquired by Aero Commander in 1965. On the part of Aero Commander, it was an apparent move to acquire a foothold in the single-engine retractable field with a design that had already established a reputation for high performance for its size and power. During its nine years of production, the Aero Commander 200 was upgraded in horsepower from 260 hp to 285 hp. With the larger engine, the airplane had a top speed of 235 mph and a cruise speed of 215 mph. Fuel consumption was only 12 gph. Takeoff and landing distances were also minimal, and the gear was sturdy enough to extend up to speeds of 210 mph. Though the airplane was high-spirited and somewhat temperamental, it achieved a strong following for its speed and outstanding flight characteristics. An interesting modification of this design, called the Interceptor 400, was tested by the Interceptor Corp. Equipped with an AiResearch turboprop powerplant flat-rated at 400 shp, cruising speeds in excess of 280 mph were reported.
