BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Apr 2025, 18:16

I think this concept makes more sense

the single-engine, pressurized, air-conditioned turbine aircraft that can match the Piper Meridian on speed yet has 2 more hours of range & DOUBLE the useful load! Taylor combined the dependability of the Garrett turbine w/ the proven, sturdy Aerostar fuselage to create an economical, premium load-hauling airplane!!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Apr 2025, 18:43

That’s the ultimate Aerostar

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Apr 2025, 18:45

That's some wicked exhaust stack/ducting. My hot rod heart approves.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Apr 2025, 19:15

Username Protected wrote:

Ted Smith designed and engineered the Aerostar to be a family of piston, turboprop and pure jet based on this airframe.
The 600 was just the base model first to be produced.
601 and 601P were as far as they got.

Except they did make a 602P and the 700...

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Apr 2025, 23:44

Not sure where I found these pictures but interesting!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 07 Nov 2025, 17:45

Username Protected wrote:

That jet conversion has been around a while.

It may not make any sense, but I think it looks cool. Like a personal mini-737.

Undoubtedly stunning in the looks department.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 12 Nov 2025, 06:51

Username Protected wrote:

Not sure where I found these pictures but interesting!

Hmm…the lines of the FJ-100 seem to bear a striking resemblance to those of the old 1121 Jet Commander (or is it a false perception?). :scratch:

MM

Username Protected · **Posted:** 12 Nov 2025, 09:17

Username Protected wrote:

I think this concept makes more sense

the single-engine, pressurized, air-conditioned turbine aircraft that can match the Piper Meridian on speed yet has 2 more hours of range & DOUBLE the useful load! Taylor combined the dependability of the Garrett turbine w/ the proven, sturdy Aerostar fuselage to create an economical, premium load-hauling airplane!!

Is that the only door in and out of the cabin?

Chip-

Username Protected · **Posted:** 12 Nov 2025, 10:15

Username Protected wrote:

Not sure where I found these pictures but interesting!

Hmm…the lines of the FJ-100 seem to bear a striking resemblance to those of the old 1121 Jet Commander (or is it a false perception?). :scratch:

MM

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Nov 2025, 16:20

Ted Smith did engineering work on the Aero Commander before starting Smith Aerostar so that's why the family resemblance.

There's an 800HP Aerostar out there - engineering mule - w 8 cyl IO-720 piston engines & cabin plug. (Think picture window like the Aero Commander.) Don't know if the turbine long-body version was planned with under-wing or fuselage mounted engines. For experimental / demonstration purposes it's easier to hang them off a std short fuselage where the piston engines normally go.

The single engine turboprop modification solves the range problem without engineering but think how wicked fast the twin version - jet or jet prop - would be if the 700s are doing 260 knots w IO-540s. Because turbines evolved rapidly, that's why the turboprop was never considered for production. (And Piper already had the Cheyenne.) When AAC got the type certificate, it made more sense with the engines then available to go straight to jet. The problem that needed solving was where to put 2X or 3X the standard 165 gals.

The Aerostar Jet