Aero Commander U4B

(Photo: USAF Museum)

President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Pilot Lt Col Bill Draper

This L-26 Aero Commander, (USAF designation U-4B) was the smallest aircraft to be used for Presidential transport.  It was also the first Presidential aircraft to display the now familiar blue and white paint scheme.

In 1956 President Dwight D. Eisenhower requested an aircraft to fly from Washington DC to the short grass airstrip near his farm in Gettysburg, PA. It was used to carry him on these and other short trips for 4 years.  When helicopters were approved for presidential use, this U-4B was detailed for other government duties.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 44 ft 1 in.
Length: 35 ft 5 in.
Height: 14 ft 9.5 in.
Weight: 4,300 lb (empty) 7,000 lb (loaded)
Armament: None
Engines: 2 Lycoming GSO 480-AiA6 of 340 hp. each
Cost: $98,750