The Rockwell Commander 112 is a four-seat, single piston-engine monoplane designed and built by North American Rockwell in the 1970s. A further developed version was also built by Commander Aircraft as the Commander 114 series in the 1990s and early 2000s, and as of late 2008 the type was due to go into production again in the near future as a Commander 115 series. However, as of 2012, financial issues had delayed production indefinitely.
Born at a time when the aviation industry was already well served by four-seat lightplanes, several of equal or even better performance, the Commander 112, 114 and later 115 were never really competitive on price, even though they were very well made and finished. Their handling qualities also were very good and the trailing link undercarriage soaked up the bumps of rough airstrips and not so good landings. However, what eventually sealed the fate for this fine aeroplane was the fact that it was expensive to build and maintain, and just couldn’t compete against the Mooneys, Comanches, Arrows and Cessna 182RGs, all of which provided similar performance and load carrying capability for less cost. Also, the 112 was quite underpowered and the 114 was introduced as a result.
Even now, it cannot compete against the fixed gear Cirrus, Lancair and Cessna Corvalis, other than when purchased used and refurbished, where older Commanders can be found for relatively low cost. However, comparing used to new is not a fair comparison, and ultimately, the market talks!
Cruise speed: 262 km/h
Top speed: 278 km/h
Length: 7.63 m
Weight: 804 kg
Wingspan: 11 m
Having said all that, the Commander is still an attractive aircraft, and one that builds into a fine model with great manners. Our plan is still a little way off, but as you can see from the colour view, it will look great when ready. Keep checking in for progress reports, or email with any questions.
Commander 115 – Design, Development, Production and Performance
The Commander 115 is a high-performance, all-metal, single-engine touring aircraft that represents the final evolution of the Rockwell Commander 112/114 family. Manufactured by the Commander Aircraft Company, the 115 combined the comfortable cabin and excellent handling characteristics of the earlier Commander 114 with increased fuel capacity, improved systems, updated avionics, and refined aerodynamics. It was designed as a premium four-seat touring aircraft aimed at owners who valued comfort, stability, and build quality over outright speed.
Origins
The Commander story began in the late 1960s when North American Rockwell sought to produce a modern general aviation aircraft that would compete with the Beechcraft Bonanza, Piper Arrow and Cessna 210.
The design objectives included:
- exceptional cabin comfort
- strong structural integrity
- benign handling qualities
- excellent visibility
- modern styling
- easy maintenance
The prototype Rockwell Commander 112 first flew on 4 December 1970, entering production in 1972. The more powerful Commander 114, introduced in 1976, addressed criticism that the original 112 was underpowered by adopting a 260 hp six-cylinder engine.
From Commander 114 to Commander 115
Production of the Commander line ceased in 1979 after Rockwell withdrew from the light-aircraft market.
Ownership subsequently passed through:
- Gulfstream Aerospace (which did not resume production)
- Commander Aircraft Company (formed in 1991)
The new company modernised the aircraft and first introduced the Commander 114B. In 2000, it launched the Commander 115 and 115TC, representing the most refined versions of the design. Major improvements included:
- standard 90 US gallon fuel tanks (previously optional)
- improved engine installation
- updated avionics packages
- revised interior
- enhanced systems
- optional TKS anti-ice system
These changes increased range, utility and appeal without altering the proven basic airframe.
Design Philosophy
The Commander 115 was designed around several key principles:
- maximise cabin comfort
- provide predictable, stable handling
- offer efficient cross-country performance
- minimise pilot workload
- simplify maintenance
Unlike some competitors that prioritised speed, the Commander emphasised refinement, making it particularly attractive for business and instrument flying.
Airframe Design
Wing
The Commander 115 employs a cantilever low wing of all-metal stressed-skin construction.
Key characteristics include:
- constant-chord centre section
- tapered outer wing panels
- laminar-flow aerofoil
- electrically operated Fowler flaps
- integral fuel tanks
The wing was designed to provide:
- low stall speeds
- gentle stall behaviour
- excellent stability
- comfortable ride in turbulence
Its relatively high wing loading contributes to smooth handling in rough air compared with lighter aircraft in the same class.
Fuselage
The fuselage uses conventional aluminium semi-monocoque construction.
Features include:
- four-seat cabin
- large doors on both sides
- generous shoulder room
- substantial baggage compartment
- corrosion-protected structure
One of the aircraft’s defining characteristics is its 47-inch (1.19 m) cabin width, among the widest in its class, providing comfort comparable to larger touring aircraft.
Cockpit
The Commander cockpit was designed for ergonomic efficiency.
Typical equipment included:
- dual flight controls
- conventional “six-pack” flight instruments
- engine monitoring gauges
- Garmin or Bendix/King avionics packages
- autopilot
- GPS navigation
- multifunction display options
Later aircraft could be equipped with electronic flight information systems (EFIS), reflecting the transition toward glass cockpits in the early 2000s.
Landing Gear
The Commander 115 features a fixed tricycle undercarriage with one of its most distinctive engineering features:
Trailing-link landing gear
Unlike the spring-steel or tubular gear found on many competitors, the Commander uses trailing-link main landing gear.
Advantages include:
- exceptionally smooth landings
- reduced landing loads
- improved rough-runway performance
- excellent directional stability
Many pilots regard the Commander as one of the easiest light aircraft to land because of this landing gear design.
Powerplant
Commander 115
The standard model is powered by:
Lycoming IO-540-T4B5
- six-cylinder
- fuel injected
- air cooled
- 260 hp
Driving a:
- three-blade McCauley constant-speed propeller
Commander 115TC
The turbocharged version uses:
Lycoming TIO-540-AG1A
- turbocharged
- fuel injected
- 270 hp
The turbocharger allows the aircraft to maintain power to much higher altitudes, improving cruise speed and climb performance.
Aerodynamics
Although visually conservative, the Commander incorporates several aerodynamic refinements:
- laminar-flow wing
- streamlined engine cowling
- carefully faired canopy
- efficient cooling-air management
- flush riveting over much of the airframe
The Commander 115 also featured a redesigned cowling and induction system compared with earlier 114 models, reducing drag and improving engine cooling.
Production
Manufacturer:
Commander Aircraft Company
Production location:
Bethany, Oklahoma, USA
Production history:
- Rockwell Commander: 1972–1979
- Commander Aircraft Company: 1992–2005
The Commander 115 entered production in 2000, but only a small number were completed before the company entered receivership in 2005. The type remains supported by an active owners’ community and specialist maintenance organisations.
Specifications (Commander 115)
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
| Passengers | 3–4 |
| Length | 24 ft 11 in (7.59 m) |
| Wingspan | 32 ft 9 in (9.98 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 5 in (2.57 m) |
| Wing Area | 152 sq ft (14.1 m²) |
| Empty Weight | 2,102 lb (953 kg) |
| Maximum Take-off Weight | 3,260 lb (1,479 kg) |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-540-T4B5 |
| Power | 260 hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 US gal (88 usable) |
Performance (Commander 115)
| Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 160 kt |
| Typical Cruise | 150–156 kt |
| Stall Speed (landing configuration) | Approximately 57 kt |
| Initial Rate of Climb | 1,070 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 16,800 ft |
| Maximum Range | Up to 1,000 NM |
| Take-off Ground Roll | Approximately 1,145 ft (349 m) |
| Take-off Over 50 ft Obstacle | Approximately 1,985 ft (605 m) |
| Landing Distance | Approximately 2,060 ft (628 m) |
Performance (Commander 115TC)
The turbocharged 115TC extended the aircraft’s high-altitude capability.
| Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Cruise | 187 kt at 25,000 ft |
| Typical Economy Cruise | 169 kt |
| Initial Rate of Climb | 1,050 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft |
| Range | Approximately 870 NM (economy cruise) |
Flying Characteristics
The Commander 115 has earned a reputation for:
- exceptionally comfortable seating
- stable instrument platform
- smooth ride in turbulence
- responsive but well-balanced controls
- forgiving stall characteristics
- outstanding landing qualities due to the trailing-link undercarriage
While it is not the fastest aircraft in the 260 hp class, pilots consistently praise its comfort, handling and structural quality, making it a popular cross-country touring aircraft.
Legacy
The Commander 115 marked the culmination of more than three decades of refinement of the original Rockwell Commander concept. By combining a spacious cabin, robust all-metal construction, a reliable Lycoming IO-540 engine, and a distinctive trailing-link landing gear, it delivered an aircraft that prioritised comfort, stability and ease of operation. Although production numbers were limited and the manufacturer ceased operations in 2005, the Commander 115 remains highly regarded among owners as one of the most comfortable and best-handling fixed-gear touring aircraft ever produced, supported by an active owners’ association and specialist maintenance network.