Ayres Thrush & Rockwell Thrush Commander
- CountryUnited States of America
- TypeAgricultural aircraft
- PowerplantsThrush Commander600 - One 450kW (600hp) Pratt & Whitney R1340 Wasp nine cylinder radial driving a two blade constant speed Hamilton Standard propeller. S2RT34 - One 560kW (750shp) P&WC PT6A34AG driving a three blade c/s Hartzell prop.
- Performance600 - Max speed 225km/h (122kt), max cruising speed at 70% power 200km/h (108kt), typical working speed range 170 to 185km/h (91 to 100kt). Initial rate of climb 900ft/min. Service ceiling 15,000ft. Ferry range with max fuel at 70% power 648km (350nm). S2RT34 - Max speed with spray equipment 256km/h (138kt), cruising speed at 50% power 240km/h (130kt), working speed range at 30 to 50% power 143 to 240km/h (82 to 130kt). Initial rate of climb 1740ft/min. Service ceiling 25,000ft. Ferry range at 40% power 1230km (665nm).
- Weights600 - Empty equipped 1678kg (3700lb), max takeoff (agricultural category) 2720kg (6000lb). S2RT34 - Empty 1633kg (3600lb), max takeoff (ag category) 2720kg (6000lb).
- Dimentions600 - Wing span 13.51m (44ft 4in), length 8.95m (29ft 5in), height 2.79m (9ft 2in). Wing area 30.3m2 (326.6sq ft). S2RT34 - Same except wing span 13.54m (44ft 5in), length 10.06m (33ft 0in).
- CapacityPilot only, S2R offered with an optional second seat. S2R chemical hopper capable of holding 1514 litres or 1487kg of chemicals.
- ProductionIncludes 1300 built by Rockwell and 350+ by Ayres.
The first Snow S2 was composed via Leland Snow, who fused his insight as an accomplished ag pilot into the S2's outline.
The Snow S2 model flew without precedent for 1956 and creation conveyances started in 1958. S2 variations varied in motor choices, and incorporated the 165kw (220hp) Continental W670 fueled S2a, the S2b and S2c with a Pratt & Whitney R985, and the R1340an1 controlled S2c600.
Air Commander procured the outline and generation rights to the S2 arrangement in 1965 and manufactured the enhanced S2d Ag Commander. The rights to the S2 changed hands afresh in 1967 when North American Rockwell (later Rockwell) obtained Aero Commander, proceeding with the arrangement under the Thrush Commander standard. Rockwell models incorporate the Thrush Commander600 with a 450kw (600hp) R1340 and the Thrush Commander800 with a 595kw (800hp) Wright R1300 Cyclone.
Outline and generation rights changed hands a last time in 1977 when Ayres (who had formerly done turboprop changes to Thrush Commanders) obtained the rights to the Thrush Commander600. Ayres improvements incorporate the S2r600, which later turned into the S2r1340; the Bull Thrush, now simply S2r1820; the Polish Pzl3 controlled Pezetel Thrush and the turboprop fueled S2r arrangement. The S2rt11, T15 and T34 are fueled by Pt6s, the S2rg6 and S2rg10 Alliedsignal Tpe331s. Uncommon missions advancements are the S2rt65 NEDS Narcotics Eradication Delivery System for the US State Department, and the Alliedsignal controlled Vigilante observation and close air help form. The most recent improvement is the 660 Turbo Thrush, in light of the S2r however with a bigger container.
Pictures of Ayres Thrush & Rockwell Thrush Commander
