AC840(690C) – Twin Commander

History&Facts

The Twin Commander 840 was significantly redesigned when it was launched in 1979. The wings were enlarged by 30 inches and fitted with sloping wingtips to increase the overall wing area. Equipped with AiResearch TPE331 gas turbines (254K variant), each producing 717.5 hp, along with new Dowty propellers with full feathering and reversible pitch. Additional fuel tanks outside the engine nacelles increased fuel capacity from 384 to 482 gallons, enabling a remarkable range of 2,040 nautical miles - a milestone that surpassed the Twin Commander's previous capabilities. In addition, a 507 pound reduction in empty weight compared to the 690B model demonstrated improved efficiency. This, combined with a passenger capacity of 5-6 people, a cruising speed of 531 km/h (330 mph) and a cabin altitude of 1.35 metres (4.48 feet), cemented its reputation as a versatile and impressive turboprop aircraft.

What is the current charter price of the AC840(690C) – Twin Commander per hour?

The cost of chartering an AC840(690C) - Twin Commander varies depending on the provider, flight route, flight duration and additional services. As a rule, the prices for chartering such an aircraft in Europe are between EUR 3750 and EUR 4500 per flight hour. However, there are only a few airlines that still have a Twin Commander in their fleet and make it available for charter flights.

The versatility of the Twin Commander AC840 (690C) is evident in its design and capabilities, which make it suitable for a wide range of missions, from business and leisure travel to specialised flights such as medical evacuation or cargo transport.

What is the required taxiway length for take-off and landing of the AC840(690C) – Twin Commander?

The required taxiway length for take-off and landing of an AC840(690C) - Twin Commander depends on various factors such as the weight of the aircraft, the weather conditions and the flight altitude. In general, this aircraft requires a runway length of approximately 1,000 to 1,200 metres for take-off and a similar length of 800 to 1,000 metres for landing. It is also important to know whether the aircraft is operated commercially or privately, as this has a strong influence on the required standards.

What is the current market-price for the AC840(690C) – Twin Commander?

The purchase price for a used AC840(690C) - Twin Commander can vary greatly and depends on factors such as the year of manufacture, the total flight hours, the condition of the aircraft and the installed equipment. As a rough estimate, the price of a used AC840(690C) - Twin Commander can range between 500,000 euros and 1.5 million euros. A current search (2024) shows aircraft built in 1981 for a price of approx. 1 million euros.