Commander 700

The Commander 700, introduced by Subaru Corporation in 1998, marked the Japanese automaker’s bold entry into the general‑aviation market. Developed from the earlier Subaru 500 series, the Commander 700 combined Subaru’s renowned flat‑four engine expertise with a lightweight composite airframe, resulting in a fast‑climbing, fuel‑efficient aircraft. Production began at the company’s Hamamatsu facility, where aerospace engineers worked alongside automotive specialists to adapt the company’s low‑center‑of‑gravity engine architecture for aviation use. The aircraft features a high‑aspect‑ratio wing with laminar‑flow design, a two‑seat side‑by‑side cockpit equipped with a glass‑panel avionics suite, and a retractable tricycle landing gear. Its 180‑horsepower horizontally opposed engine delivers a cruise speed of 210 kt and a range of 900 nm, while the all‑composite fuselage provides a 20 percent weight saving over comparable aluminum models. The Commander 700 quickly became popular with flight schools and private owners because of its responsive handling, low operating costs, and reduced noise signature. By demonstrating that automotive technology could be successfully translated to aviation, the Commander 700 helped broaden the market for efficient, low‑cost light aircraft and cemented Subaru’s reputation as an innovative cross‑industry manufacturer. Its legacy continues to influence modern hybrid‑propulsion projects within the company.