Aero Vodochody of Czechoslovakia created one of the most distinctive airframes in aviation history with the Ae-45 in the late 1940s, and now the prototype Ae-45 and supercharged variant, the Ae-145, are joining them
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The Aero Vodochody Ae-45 “Aero” family
The reveal of Local Legend 11 coincides with the release of Microsoft flight simulator World Update 14: Central Eastern Europe, the home skies of the aircraft family.
The Ae-45 is a twin-engine low-wing utility aircraft designed and manufactured by Czechoslovak Aero Vodochody. Often referred to as the “Aero,” it can accommodate up to five passengers, including two in the cockpit. It made its maiden flight on July 21, 1947 and was introduced in 1948. The Ae-145 is an advanced version of the original Ae-45, featuring supercharged engines, upgraded avionics, improved flight controls, and an improved canopy. During the production period from 1947 to 1961, a total of 590 copies of all Aero variants were built; 162 of these were Ae-145s, built between 1959 and 1963.
The Local Legend 11 Pack includes the Ae-45 Prototype and the Ae-145, each with a choice of liveries.
The Aero Vodochody Ae-45
The Ae-45, commonly referred to as the Aero 45, emerged as a concept in 1946 after World War II. A team of five Czechoslovak engineers wanted to develop an efficient, low-maintenance civil aircraft that could serve a variety of applications. Her work was fueled by both national pride and aspirations for aerospace engineering. They tried to restore the Czechoslovak aviation industry in the post-WWII era and bring it onto the world stage. They were so motivated that they started developing and financing the concept themselves, without government or industry funding.
After about a year of hard work, Aero Vodochody took notice and supported the engineers. The result was one of aviation’s most distinctive, robust and enduring performers. The all-metal design consists of a high-visibility cabin, two powerful wing engines that deliver speed and efficiency, and an innovative cockpit that maximizes pilot efficiency. Upon its release, the Ae-45 (the number 45 refers to a four- or five-seat aircraft) proved to be a fast, durable, and reliable aircraft that was easy to operate and maintain.
The aircraft’s engineers incorporated numerous state-of-the-art features for the time, including electrically operated propeller pitch gears that could be preset via push-button controls (similar to an automatic transmission in an automobile). The designers also installed electrical systems for flaps and landing gear control. These novel features were incorporated into the prototype and early iterations of the Aero 45, and used systems inherited from earlier aircraft, particularly German wartime bombers such as the Heinkel He 111. These components, adapted for production purposes, included magnetic switches and engine diagnostic displays.
The Aero 45 became an instant hit across Europe and models were exported to France, the Netherlands, the UK and other countries. The pilots raved about the cockpit visibility, range, speed and reliability. The airframe was eventually used by civilian and military operators in dozens of countries for passenger transport, cargo transport, ambulance transport, flight training, law enforcement and other uses.
The Ae-45 established itself with the public shortly after its release, winning a high-profile air race in Britain and completing several long-range expeditions, particularly in Africa. In 1958 it became the first Czechoslovak aircraft to cross the Atlantic, flying from South America to Africa. The initial successes laid the groundwork for further iterations and the series remained in production for 14 years. After years of robust export sales, the Czech aviation market has seen widespread use of the Aero in its home market. By this time, engineers had refined it, incorporating more advanced avionics, flight controls, and power management systems.
No two of the few remaining Aero 45s are identical. Over the decades, private owners have modified their airframes. The most notable improvements include cockpit instrumentation, particularly on modern Piper and Cessna aircraft, and cabin improvements for greater comfort.
While many aviation museums around the world display static examples of the Aero 45, only a small handful of fully operational airframes remain, making them a rare sight in today’s skies.
The Ae-45 is 25 feet, 6 inches long, 7 feet, 7 inches high and has a wingspan of 40 feet, 2 inches. It is powered by two Avia M 332-III 4-cylinder inverted piston engines, each producing 140 hp, driving two-blade variable-pitch metal propellers. The Aero 45 has a range of 1,100 miles, a service ceiling of 19,400 feet above sea level and a rate of climb of 980 feet per minute. It cruises at 160 mph and has a top speed of 175 mph. With a take-off distance of 1,500 feet, the aircraft is also well suited for use on short and undeveloped airfields.
The Ae-45 is a no-nonsense, practical aircraft that has delighted aviators for decades with its reliability, power and overall performance. Pilots can fly airplanes for a variety of purposes, from practicing basic maneuvers to transoceanic or multicontinental travel.
The Local Legend Ae-45 is a reproduction of the prototype airframe and is available in four liveries: Prototype, Polished, OK-FHA, and Plain White.
The Aero Vodochody Ae-145
The Ae-145 is a twin-engine low-wing utility aircraft designed and manufactured by Aero Vodochody in Czechoslovakia. The aircraft can accommodate up to five people, including two in the cockpit. It is a further development of the original Ae-45, which made its maiden flight on July 21, 1947 and was introduced in 1948. A total of 162 Ae-145s were built between 1959 and 1963.
The Ae-145 features advanced flight controls, upgraded avionics, supercharged engines, more efficient power management systems, and a canopy that offers better visibility than the original Ae-45. The aircraft was eventually used by civilian and military operators in dozens of countries for passenger transport, cargo transport, ambulance transport, flight training schools, law enforcement and other uses.
Over the decades private owners have modified their airframes and today no two of the few remaining Aero 145s are identical. The most notable improvements include cockpit instrumentation, particularly on modern Piper and Cessna aircraft, and cabin improvements for greater comfort.
While many aviation museums around the world display static examples of the Aero 45 and 145, only a small handful of fully operational airframes remain, making them a rare sight in today’s skies.
The Ae-145 is 25 feet, 6 inches long, 7 feet, 7 inches high and has a wingspan of 40 feet, 2 inches. It is powered by two Avia M 332-III 4-cylinder inverted piston engines, each producing 140 hp, driving two-blade variable-pitch metal propellers. The Aero 145 has a range of 1,100 miles, a service ceiling of 19,400 feet above sea level and a rate of climb of 980 feet per minute. It cruises at 160 mph and has a top speed of 175 mph. With a take-off distance of 1,500 feet, the aircraft is also well suited for use on short and undeveloped airfields.
The Ae-145 is a stunning example of great looks and excellent performance, which is a result of aircraft designers following the principle of utilitarianism when developing it. The Ae-145 is a marvel in the air and is suitable for a wide range of applications. Pilots of all experience levels will enjoy hours of time in the cockpit of this eye-catching machine on flights around the world.
The Ae-145 is available in four liveries: OM-NHS, SP-LXH, Red-Cream and Silver-Gold.
The Ae-45 and Ae-145 are available now Microsoft flight simulator for $14.99. Heaven is calling!
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