Ted Smith Aerostar

Ted Smith Aircraft Company was founded in 1963 by Ted R. Smith, who previously designed the Aero Commander and Jet Commander. The company was established to build a new line of high-performance piston aircraft, starting with the Model 320 prototype in 1966. Its most well-known product is the Aerostar, a distinctive mid-wing aircraft known for its speed and climb rate, with some models capable of climbing easily at 2000 FPM. After Smith’s death in 1978, the company was acquired by Piper Aircraft, which continued to market the Aerostar line. Historical products include the initial Model 320. Plans for larger, more powerful Aerostars did not materialize after Smith’s death.