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 new, composite "tandem twin" aircraft that optimizes centerline thrust, offering the safety of two engines without the asymmetric handling challenges of conventional twins.
It features modern design elements like a sidestick control, an all-electric system, and a spacious cabin, with production models slated for enhancements such as glass cockpits and an airstair door.
Initial flight tests reveal strong performance, including impressive climb rates (even on single engine) and projected cruise speeds over 200 knots, coupled with a stable and comfortable ride.
Still undergoing extensive flight testing for certification, the A500 is attracting interest in the market, particularly from fractional ownership providers, with a fully equipped price of over $1 million.

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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.