Adam A500: First Flight

Richard L. Collins

Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Adam A500 tandem twin

Key Takeaways:

The Adam A500 is a novel, mostly composite "tandem twin" aircraft that modernizes the centerline thrust concept, offering a unique design and larger dimensions than previous "push-pull" models.
During experimental flights, the aircraft demonstrated strong climbing performance (both twin and single-engine), projected cruise speeds up to 235 knots at FL250, and favorable handling characteristics, including the safety advantage of no asymmetric thrust during engine failure.
Although the reviewed aircraft was a non-production experimental model with basic features, it showed great potential with planned amenities like a glass cockpit and airstair door; certification is projected but faces ongoing challenges.

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The folks at Adam Aircraft don’t particularly like it when their new airplane is referred to as a “push-pull,” the most common (and cleanest) name attached to the Cessna Skymaster that made its debut about 40 years ago. The concept of centerline thrust, tandem power, was actually patented by Claudius Dornier in 1937 and developed during World War II.

Maybe “tandem twin” can be made to stick. Whatever, Adam Aircraft has created a twin built mostly of composites that looks back a bit but that is all new and optimizes the concept of the tandem twin, the power available and the current technology.