Aero Commander L-26 "Mini Air Force One"
Model Airplane News Cover Art for June, 1956
by Jo Kotula
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The Aero Commander L-26 is a twin engined high-wing monoplane with retractable undercarriage. It was built by the Aero Design and Engineering Company in the late 1940s. The aircraft was designed by Ted Smith who formed the Aero Design and Engineering Company to design and build the proposed aircraft after Douglas Aircraft declined the concept. The final configuration was completed in July 1946. The airplane accommodated up to five people.

  

Photos of the Aero Commander L-26 "Mini Air Force One"
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In military service, it was initially designated the L-26 One airplane became a presidential transport aircraft for Dwight Eisenhower between 1956 and 1960. This was the smallest "Air Force One", and the first to wear the now-familiar blue-and-white livery. (It is shown in this color scheme in the cover art which also included a small vignette of "Ike" himelf riding in a passenger seat)

Vignette of President Eisenhower in his Aero Commander
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Planes of this type are still in service with the United States Coast Guard and United States Customs Service.

Here is a video of the Aero Commander L-26:

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