Country of origin:

United States of America

Description:

Light cabin monoplane

Power Plant:

One 194 kw (260 hp) Textron Lycoming IO-540-T4B5D six-cylinder horizontally-opposed fuel-injected air-cooled engine

Specifications:

History:

Over the years the early variants of the Model 112 were perceived as under-powered and having limited load capability. The manufacturer addressed these problems in November 1975 with the Model 114, of which more than 1,100 were delivered.  In the late 1970s Rockwell sold most of its aviation assets, the Commander series being obtained by Gulfstream, but no production took place. In 1988 Commander Aircraft Co took over the line and set up a new facility at Bethany in Oklahoma, USA. Here the new Model 114 series was developed, with a new engine cowling, re-designed wing and an IO-540 engine of increased power. Larger fuel tanks, oxygen and some LoPresti refinements went towards an increase in performance and load carrying capability.

The Model 114B had a 194 kw (260 hp) Textron Lycoming IO-540-T4B4 six-cylinder engine. Later the 114TC appeared, flying for the first time in October 1994, having a 201 kw (270 hp) Textron Lycoming TIO-540-AG1A turbo-charged six-cylinder engine and a fuel capacity of 341 litres (75 Imp gals) in two integral wing tanks.

In 1979 the 112 was dropped from the line and the 112TC-A and 114A were named the Alpine Commander and the Gran Turismo Commander respectively, being fitted with three-blade propellers.  Both models were offered fully equipped for IFR.  The Model 114AT was optimised for pilot training. Production of the 114 and 112TC concluded in September 1979.

A number of 112A and 114 models were imported and registered in Australia during 1978 and 1979. Late in 1979 the manufacturers announced that production of its single-engine range would cease.  Subsequently the Rockwell General Aviation Division was taken over by American Jet Industries. In 1992 the Commander Aircraft Company put the type back into production but with some improvements, these including a re-styled engine cowling, other aerodynamic improvements, a quieter and more efficient three-blade McCauley propeller, and a new interior.

New models included the 114B with the 194 kw (260 hp) Textron Lycoming IO-540T4B5 six-cylinder engine, and the 114TC with 201 kw (a 270 hp) turbo-charged and fuel-injected TIO-540-AG1A engine. In 1998 it was announced a new model with extended range would become available. More than 150 examples of the new series were completed.

In 2001 new models known as the 115 and 115TC appeared, the manufacturer being Commander Aircraft of Bethany, Oklahoma. The 115TC was fitted with a 201 kw (270 hp) TIO-540-AG1A engine, and had a cruising speed at 75% power of 346 km/h (215 mph).  Four examples of the Model 114 were registered in New Zealand; and nine Model 112s and 18 Model 114s were registered in Australia.

As mentioned, the last of the series built was the 115TC, a development of the 114 and 114TC models, in 1995.  It provided accommodation for four or five.  Only about 200 had been completed when production concluded in 2002.  This model was basically the 114TC re-designated as the 115TC.  At least one example was imported to Australia, becoming VH-JHP (c/n 20042) in February 2011 and was fitted with a Textron Lycoming TIO-540-AG1A engine which produced 201 kw (270 hp) at 2,575 rpm.

Total production of the series comprised: Model 114 – 388 and Model 114A Gran Turismo – 41.  In January 2005, after being under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Commander Aircraft, ceased operations and was placed in liquidation by a US Court.  The Company had re-started production in 1988. The production line was expanded and profitable but, following upon world events in those years, the Company closed its doors again.