The Curtiss Commando Page
The Curtiss Commando Page

Aircraft Engineering Foundation

Operator Identification

  Unknown dates

  United States of America


TYPE: Unknown

IATA/ICAO CODES: Nil

HEADQUARTERS: Washington, DC

FORMER NAME: Nil

SUBSEQUENT NAME: Nil

Operator History

The Aircraft Engineering Foundation was a group composed of C-46 operators, that joined forces to create a modified version of the Commando that would satisfy the new CAB performance standards. The project's chief engineer was George C. Prill, technical director of the Air Coach Transport Association. The modification included modified engine nacelles for improved cooling, modern fire protection devices, and allowed an increase in cruise speed of 19 mph and bumped the MTOW from 45,300 lbs to 47,000 lbs.

The CAA tests and approval were secured in early 1955, and the prototype was subsequently flown non-stop from Burbank, CA to Washington, DC for exhibition to government officials.

Commando Operations

June 1953* to June 1953*

A single Commando was briefly registered to the foundation (TBC, conflict with USAF records).

Commandos Operated

  • Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando: N3701C