The north American Rockwell 100 Darter/Lark Aero Commander was developed as a high wing four seat 100 series in a effort to expand its product range.
The aero Commander 100 began life as a three seat design from Volaircraft of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania in the United States the basic design was known as the model 10 Volaire and flew for the first time in 1960. Features included a high wing, 360 degree all round visibility and metal construction. A hand full of production aircraft, the Volaire 1035 power by a 100kW (135 hp) O-320 powered Volaire 1050, were built before Aero Commander purchased the design and manufacturing rights for both on July 12, 1965.
Aero Commander only made a small number of changes before the 1050 was placed into production as the Commander 100 (the 1035 was renamed the 100a) in the second half of 1965. From May 1968 Aero Commander incorporated a small number of changes including revised windscreen and rear cabin window designes and other mods and this model was rename the Darter Commander.
By the time the first major changes to the basic design were introduced, Aero Commander had been taking over by North American Rockwell in 1967 and had become their Aero Commander Division. The name Aero Commander disappeared when the division was renamed the General Aviation Division on September 9, 1969. Darter production continued into 1969.
North American Rockwell also introduced the improved 100-180 Lark Commander in 1967 (FAA Type Approval was awarded on September 26 that year). Changes included a more powerfull 135kW (180 hp) O-360-A2F engine, a swept back fin, reprofiled cowling and a 91kg (200lbs) increase in max takeoff weight. The aerodynamic changes gave the Lark Commander a much more sleeker apperance, and the more powerfull engine boosted performance. However Rockwell dumped Lark production in 1971, as it has been outsold and out performed by the less powerful Piper Cherokee and the Cessna 172.
Rockwell sold the design and production rights for both the Darter (which had been out of production since 1969) and the Lark to Phoenix Aircraft in 1971, but the latter company did not undertake peoduction.
POWERPLANT
one 110kW (150hp) Lycoming O-320-A flat four piston engine driving a two blade fixed pitch propeller.
PERFORMANCE
Max speed 214km/h (115kt), max crusing speed 206km/h (111kt). Initial rate of climb 785ft/min. Service ceiling 11,000ft. Range at max crusing speed 820km (443nm).
WEIGHT
Empty 580km (1280lb), max takeoff 1020kg (2250lb).
DIMENSIONS
Wing span 10.67m (35ft 0in), length 6.86m (22ft 6in), height2.84m (9ft 4in). Wing area 16.82 (181sq ft).
CAPACITY
Typical seating for four.
PRODUCTION
335 model 100s/Darter Commanders
Courtesy of Airliners.net
