If that seems a bargain, it isexcept for one major problem. Since the 1960s, King Air has been flying for businessmen, private airlines, and national governments. As far as flight characteristics are concerned, aircraft simply accomplish with little complaint what it is requested. Size-wise the two are nearly the same, being within inches apart from each other in almost all dimensions. The engines on the base G58 are the less powerful IO-520-C engines. Queen Air has seven to eleven seats in its 18-foot B80, which can travel at 196 knots with a 3,578-pound useful cargo for 1,300 nautical miles. Beechcraft produced a military-only version of the Baron B55 to train pilots in instrument flight rules (IFR). Keeping the wings level, heading fixed, and the ball centered is easily accomplished with cruise power. Textron Aviation newsroom. Pallini, T. (2021, February 28). Many pilots of 800 mentioned how robust the aircraft is and the aircraft delivered on that promise, except in hot or high-altitude circumstances. In addition, the fuselage was lengthened and made more aerodynamic, the flap configuration was changed, and a three-blade propeller was added. The fuel capacity was bumped up from 202 to 232 gallons in 1976. While timeframes for overhaul and replacement are provided for some critical parts below, you may go to the referenced paper for more reading. [6], ICAO type designator of all versions is BE58. It has the advantage of being able to have 7 seats against the 6 seats of Duke. The G58 is powered by two Continental IO-550-C, which produce a total of 600 hp (496 kW). Scott, D. (2021, February 11). This model was powered by the same turbocharged engine available in the Baron 58P. . In 1982, production ended. On 22 December 1945, the first version of the famous airplane began. The Denali aircraft has a cabin that may be configured in a variety of ways. Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense autothrottle system is included with the Air King 360. The Baron G58 features the next-generation Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck that enables pilots to operate easily and stay connected in the cockpit. Meanwhile, Beechcraft's Bonanza had been improved with a Continental IO-470-N. Fuel usage is approximately 40 gph at 65-70 percent power. Hundreds of these planes were sold to both civilians and the military in the United States. They also share the same Garmin G1000NXi avionics suite. beech 56 Twin engine piston aircraft with retractable landing gear. Staggerwing has an official peak speed of 201.2 mph, although it has a pleasant cruising speed of 180 mph and a non-stop range of 1,000 miles. The Beechcraft A60, which came onto the market in 1970, represented an advancement over the Baron, with an improved pressurized cabin utilizing advanced bonded honeycomb construction, lighter and more efficient turbochargers, and improved elevators. At heights of 27,000 feet, it achieves a cabin altitude of 5,960 feet, which improves passenger comfort. (n.d.). Introduced in 1969, the Model 58 is the most iconic in the Beechcraft Baron line and is in production 52 years later. The Baron was created similarly to Dr. Frankenstiens monster with different parts from different aircraft. Mehmet is an Aeronautical Engineer who has previously worked for Airbus and Turkish airlines. It debuted in 1970, with an improved pressurization system and longer-lasting but lighter turbochargers that raised the maximum altitude at which the engine could generate maximum power, thereby boosting performance. The standby alternator and secondary backup battery are in charge of this. Wing-mounted fuel tanks were an option for enhancing the range. The rudder has enough authority to keep the aircraft flying well even at full power on the single-engine, and the use of a bit of rudder trim makes it so that your foot doesnt have to be planted to the floor. Beechcraft Denali. The Hawker 4000 is impressive in size and performance while preserving Hawker traditions such as exceptional cabin comfort and enjoyable flight features. Prices are influenced by a variety of factors, including configuration, manufacture year, and flying hours. [5][6], Model 55 Barons were produced from 1961 to 1983, with 3,651 manufactured. The Model 60 Dukes low wing was a cantilever wing with NACA 23010.5 wing sections at the roots and NACA 23012 wing sections at the tips. Duke is now a whole different machine in terms of performance because of the upgrade. Beechcrafts Baron 56 is powered by two turbocharged Lycoming TIO-541-E1A4 engines that put out 380 hp (283 kW), has an MTOW of 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg), and reaches its service ceiling at 32,200 ft (9,814 m). Textron Aviation Introduces the King Air 260 To Its Renowned Turboprop Lineup | Textron Aviation Media Center. Two Pratt / Whitney Canada PT6A-60A turboprop engines with 1,050 shaft horsepower power the Air King 360. The last variant, the B60, was introduced in 1974. Airlife's World Aircraft. The Twin Bonanza was a large Bonanza with two engines in the nose that was produced from 1951 to 1963. Montgomery, M. (1984). This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 13:41. [1], Most of the Duke B-60s still flying have retained their original equipment. Continued Innovation Drives Textron Aviations Iconic Beechcraft Baron 58 To 50-year Milestone | Textron Aviation Media Center. Textron Aviation newsroom. Mon - Sat 9.00 - 18.00 . These are outfitted to carry out their specific duties. Textron also demonstrates its creative side when it comes to performance. However, engine upgrades such as Royal Turbine from Rocket Engineering are now available, which offers 2 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-35. The General Aviation Handbook. At the time, in the mid-size jet market, there wasnt much competition and Hawkers were popular. The last variant, the B60, was introduced in 1974. (2017, May 1). All other significant aircraft families are summarized. Beechcraft sells the 360ER to governmental, military, and commercial clients who require airborne solutions for mission-critical tasks. He fell in love with aviation when he was just 5 years old. Additional changes, such as wet-cell wingtip fuel tanks, were incorporated during the last phases of B60 production toincrease the range. But the price difference emerges when trying to buy a new engine. In the early years Beech was always tinkering with the Baron and created some . The systems are straightforward and typical Beech. Many remain in service in the early twenty-first century. These had their sub-variants that came in the form of upgrades and other changes such as forced induction models. The Beechcraft 60 Duke is an American-built twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft designed and produced by Beechcraft. King Air 360 Brochure. Table 1: King Air 360 Specs and Performance- Source: Beechcraft Website. For a more efficient takeoff, this system provides precise control for optimal power output, as well as over-torque/overtempt protection. The smaller fuel tanks meant the Seneca struggles to fight against the Baron when the range is discussed. Holcomb, M. (2000). Today, a pre-owned Beechcraft is available for between $100,000 to $350,000, with the majority of aircraft being Model B60s. The BEECHCRAFT Baron 58P, manufactured from 1976 - 1986, requires a 1 person crew and can transport up to 5 passengers. The standard 2021 model year G58 costs around $1,500,000 and comes equipped with the G1000NXi, G275 Electronic Standby, and GMC 707 Autopilot Controller. In addition, thanks to forced induction, Beechcraft managed to increase the service ceiling of the Baron 58P to 25,000 ft (7620 m), which users could take advantage of because of the pressurized cabin. The two piston engines are turbocharged and the turbochargers also pressurize the cabin with bleed air. The Duke, which has been in production since 1966, competes with Pipers P-Navajo and, of course, the Cessna 414 and 421 pressurized twins. https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/BE60. Developed from. The Baron 58P was powered by two turbocharged Continental TSIO-520-L that produced 375 hp (279 kW). These variants were powered by turbocharged Continental TIO-520s of 310325hp (230240kW), had an increased 61006200lb (about 2800kg) gross weight, and were certified under FAR23 with a new type certificate. In comparison to its predecessors, the 360 features a more spacious interior with manual window blinds and raised side tables to provide more space for passengers. After 50 years of continual innovation, its success and reputation for businesses continue to be strong. Quick Look: Put Up Your Dukes AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2019/may/pilot/turbine-quick-look-raytheon. For governments and armies, Beechcraft manufactures aerial survey, surveillance, air ambulance, training, and utility/transport variants of the King Air 260, as well as the King Air 360/360ER. It was derived from the Bonanza, and about 2,300 were built between 1953 and 1959. The Model 58 is built on the Model 55 platform but has a longer fuselage and seating for six (pilot included) in a club seat configuration. The BEECHCRAFT Duke B60, manufactured from 1974 - 1982, requires a 1 person crew and can transport up to 5 passengers. This model is powered by two Continental IO-550-C engines that produce 300 hp (248 kW) and, when paired with the 3-blade McCauley propeller, can reach 202 KCAS (374 kmph). However, turbocharged engines are generally more expensive because there are many more parts than a naturally-aspirated engine of the same specifications. Production was stopped in 1983. Premier I is powered by two 2,300-pound Williams FJ44-2A engines. When introduced in 1967, it was the fastest Beech aircraft, rivaling even the early King Airs sold at the time. Not only spare parts are available, but also a variety of modifications for the aircraft. Beechcraft's Baron 56 is powered by two turbocharged Lycoming TIO-541-E1A4 engines that put out 380 hp (283 kW), has an MTOW of 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg), and reaches its service ceiling at 32,200 ft (9,814 m) The engines were mated to a Baron C55 chassis, and the aircraft was named the Model 56TC. Between the Beech Baron and Queen Air in size, performance and general capabilities, the Duke was a pioneer in the pressurised high performance light business twin class. Why the Staggerwing Was the Climax, And the End, Of an Era | Flying. Airlife Publishing Ltd, Shrewsbury, England, 2001. The T-34, an advanced trainer aircraft for the United States Air Force, was powered by a single Continental E185 piston aero-engine rated at 185 hp. https://media.txtav.com/201177-single-engine-denali-aircraft-joins-the-legendary-beechcraft-turboprop-family-as-program-progresses-toward-first-flight. [8] The design used components and the bonded wing construction from Beechcraft's single-engined Musketeer line. 93 Baron 56TC aircraft were built between 1967 and 1971[2] and all use the ICAO type designator BE56. Beechcraft Baron Setting the standard in twin-engine aircraft design, Beechcraft's high-performance Baron has long been associated with precision craftsmanship that appeals to both pilots and passengers alike. There were a total of 596 Dukes constructed. Trevin is a licensed flight instructor and pilot with degrees in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Management. https://www.geaviation.com/bga/engines/ge-catalyst. However, despite the lack of a turbocharger, the Baron has plenty of power. The rarity of the Model 56 makes it nearly impossible to find on for sale. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/december/02/king-air-260-debuts. Austin, K. (2019, July 22). The introduction of the C55 saw a new powerplant, the Continental IO-520-C, which is another naturally aspirated, fuel-injected, six-cylinder engine. Since 2017 he's been working as a content writer and loves that he can combine his love of aviation and writing here at Aviator Insider. The Grizzly performed admirably but was ultimately terminated because the engines planned for it were given precedence over the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and the Allies certain triumph. The development of the Beechcraft 60 began in early 1965, and it was designed to fill the gap between the Beechcraft Baron and the Beechcraft Queen Air. https://plane-encyclopedia.com/ww2/beechcraft-xa-38-grizzly/. With anticipated reduced operating costs, Garmin G3000 avionics, and the biggest cabin in its class, the Beechcraft Denali is meant to beat its rivals. Called the Royal Turbine Duke conversion,[8] the modification increases fuel capacity by 28USgal (110L) and the maximum useful load by 400lb (180kg). Hoyle, Craig. Finally, splurging on a brand new engine from Lycoming for the Model 56 will cost an eye-watering $95,000. It responds to control inputs predictably, and owners have said they are fun-to-fly. The Beechcraft G58 Baron is powered by two IO-550-C Continental Motors with 300 HP apiece, and it comes stock with 3 blade constant speed propellers, and can reach a 202-knot cruise speed at 75% power. Answer: Yes, it is pressurized, and later models of it have automatic systems to set the cabin altitude. The final variant of the Model 58 is the G58 ISR, a low-cost version of the G58 built exclusively for the Puerto Rico Police department. Beechcraft: A History. Unfortunately, it's not a very good performer. All these modifications demonstrate that Beechcraft values consumer feedback. Beech Twin Bonanza AOPA. King Air 360. https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/king-air-360#Interior. As previously stated, a well-maintained Duke with current modifications may be purchased for $300,000. With a central aisle, typical seating consisted of four pairs of individual chairs. https://www.aviationconsumer.com/aircraftreviews/beech-duke/. Duke was propelled by two Lycoming TIO 541-E1C4 piston engines with three-blade propellers, each producing 380 horsepower. (2019, October 2). The latest version of the Model B60 Duke, on the other hand, has a top speed of 246 knots (455 kilometers per hour) at 23,000 feet and a top cruising speed of 239 knots (443 kilometers per hour) at 25,000 feet. Current models include the King Air, Baron, Bonanza, and Denali, which are the newest members of their respective families.