Interceptor 400

The Interceptor 400 was a turboprop-powered single-engined light aircraft developed from the Aero Commander 200. It failed to attract buyers, and was perhaps too far ahead of its time. In the early 1970s, at the time of its development, the market for single-engined turboprops was still a decade away.

Development of the aircraft commenced when Lymon Lyon approached Aero Commander to build him a one-off modification of the 200, to be powered by a turboprop. His request came just as the firm was realizing that the aircraft was not economically viable, and instead, offered to sell Lyon the type certificate instead. Lyon and a group of investors then formed the Interceptor Corporation to develop and market the aircraft.

Its first flight was on June 27, 1969, and certification was obtained in 1971. However, without buyers, major Interceptor investor Paul Luce eventually took possession of the company's intellectual property and the prototype Interceptor 400 when the firm could not repay capital he had loaned it. The rights are now owned by Prop-Jets Inc, in which Luce has a 50% stake.

A militarized version, the Interceptor I400-M reached at least the planning stage. It was envisaged for a wide variety of roles, including training, reconnaissance, Forward Air Control, and Counter-Insurgency, as well as general utility duties.

Specifications (Interceptor 400)

General characteristics

Crew: one pilot
Capacity: 4 passengers
Length: 24 ft 4 in (7.42 m)
Wingspan: 30 ft 6 in (9.30 m)
Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
Wing area: 162 ft² (15.0 m²)
Empty: 2,700 lb (1,227 kg)
Loaded: lb ( kg)
Maximum takeoff: 4,005 lb (1,820 kg)
Powerplant: 1x Garrett TPE331, 400 hp (300 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 348 mph (556 km/h)
Range: 1,042 miles (1,666 km)
Service ceiling: 24,000 ft (7,317 m)
Rate of climb: 1,800 ft/min (549 m/min)
Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
Power/Mass: hp/lb ( kW/kg)

How to Fly RC Model Planes

The "RC" in RC model planes stands for radio-controlled. These planes are models designed to resemble aircraft, with an operator guiding their flight via radio from the ground below.

Things You’ll Need:

RC model plane

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Subscribe to an RC model airplane magazine. These are packed with tips and solutions that can help you as you fly your planes. They also offer advice on which RC model airplanes are best to purchase and why. An excellent magazine to consider is Model Airplane News (see Resources below).

Step2

Visit your local hobby shop and select a plane. The customer service associates will be able to offer advice on which planes best meet your needs. Don't be shy about seeking their expert opinion.

Step3

Join a flying club in your area. These clubs offer members the use of an airfield for RC model airplane flight, and will give you a venue where you can allow your airplane to soar. They will also provide you with the opportunity to meet and interact with more experienced flyers. Find a local flying club via the R/C Web Directory (see Resources below).

Step4

Join the Academy of Modern Aeronautics (AMA). This is a national group that governs model plane activity in the United States. By joining, you will have access to lots of useful model plane information via the organization's website (see Resources below). Additionally, membership in the AMA automatically gets you liability insurance. Many airfields won't allow you to fly without this insurance.

Step5

Get training via an instructor. Proper training may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can save you money in the long term by helping you avoid irreparable crashes. Find an instructor by getting a referral at a flying club.

Step6

Plan your budget. RC model planes range in cost from moderate to expensive.