5 General Aviation Aircraft Produced By Beechcraft

Beechcraft, an iconic name in aviation, has produced some of the most renowned and versatile aircraft since its founding in 1932. Beechcraft general aviation airplanes are legendary in aviation history. Here, we will focus on five of the most notable general aviation aircraft produced by Beechcraft. Each of these aircraft has had a unique role in advancing private flying.

1

Beechcraft Model 18

A long production run produced utility aircraft still flying today

The Beechcraft Model 18, affectionately known as the “Twin Beech,” is one of the most famous general aviation aircraft ever built. It was first introduced in 1937 and enjoyed an extensive production run until 1970, making it one of the longest-produced light aircraft.

Beech 18 C-45 Twin Beech

Key facts about the venerable Twin Beech

  • Twin-engine design: The Beech 18 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engines, each producing 450 horsepower. The twin Beech is one of the earliest successful twin-engine general aviation aircraft, providing redundancy and reliability for operators.
  • Versatility: Beechcraft designed the Model 18 for various uses, including corporate transport, freight hauling, and aerial surveying. Its military versions (designated as the C-45 and SNB) were used extensively during World War II for pilot training, light transport, and bombing missions.
  • High production numbers: With over 9,000 units produced across various civilian and military configurations, the Beech 18 was one of Beechcraft’s best-selling models. Its robust design and ease of maintenance ensured a long service life for many airframes, some of which are still flying today in cargo or vintage aircraft roles.

    Beech 18 Cabin Interior

    Photo: NASM

The Beechcraft Model 18’s legacy continues to serve and be revered by aviation enthusiasts for its longevity and pioneering design that set the standard for future Beechcraft twin-engine aircraft.

2

Beechcraft Queen Air

The Queen Air began a succession of general aviation royalty

The Beechcraft Queen Air, introduced in 1960, is an all-metal, twin-engine general aviation aircraft designed for private and corporate use. This aircraft was developed as an enlarged version of the earlier Beechcraft Twin Bonanza but with notable improvements in performance and cabin comfort.

Key Features of the Beechcraft Queen Air

  • Spacious cabin: One of the main selling points of the Queen Air was its larger fuselage, which allowed for a more spacious and comfortable cabin compared to earlier twin-engine aircraft in its class. The Queen Air could typically accommodate six to nine passengers, depending on the interior configuration.
  • Twin-engine performance: Powered by two Lycoming IGSO-480 engines, the Queen Air could cruise at around 200 knots. Its range and payload capacity made it attractive to business executives, charter operators, and regional airlines needing a dependable transport aircraft.
  • Innovative pressurization (later models): The Beechcraft Queen Air B88, introduced in 1965, featured pressurization, a significant upgrade over the original Queen Air models, allowing higher cruising altitudes and greater passenger comfort.
N55SA Beechcraft 65-80 Queen Air

Though production ended in 1978, the Queen Air was the basis for developing the Beech C99 commuter airliner and the more advanced King Air series, which would become one of Beechcraft’s most successful lines.

3

Beechcraft B60 Duke

The sleek Duke reigned as a coveted pressurized personal twin

Introduced in 1968, the Beechcraft Duke filled the niche between the pressurized Baron 58P and the King Air series. The B60 Duke combined a sleek, pressurized cabin with twin-engine performance, making it a high-performance aircraft for executive travel and personal use.

Beechcraft Duke

Key Features of the Beechcraft B60 Duke

  • Pressurized cabin: One of Duke’s standout features is its pressurized cabin, which allows for flight at altitudes up to 30,000 feet. This capability, combined with a spacious interior, made it ideal for long-distance travel in comfort.
  • Distinctive design: The Duke features a unique, aggressive design with its long, pointed nose and low-slung, swept-back wings. This aesthetic provided aerodynamic efficiency and gave the aircraft a distinct appearance that set it apart from other general aviation aircraft.
  • High performance: Powered by two Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 engines, the Duke could cruise up to 285 knots. Its turbocharged engines also made it well-suited for operations at high altitudes, providing strong climb performance even in mountainous regions.

Despite its high performance and luxury, the Beechcraft Duke was relatively expensive to operate and maintain, which limited its production. Beechcraft built only around 600 of the type, but the Duke remains a favorite among aviation enthusiasts for its speed, style, and altitude capabilities.

4

Beechcraft King Air Series

The King Air is synonymous with large-cabin turboprop luxury

Perhaps one of Beechcraft’s most successful aircraft lines, the King Air series has been in continuous production since 1964. Known for reliability, versatility, and performance, King Airs have been used for everything from corporate transport to air ambulance services and military operations.

Key Features of the Beechcraft King Air Series

  • Turboprop power: The King Air series introduced Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engines, offering better fuel efficiency, higher cruise speeds, and lower maintenance than piston-powered aircraft. This powerplant combination made the King Air popular with operators who required long-range performance and reliability.
  • Wide range of models: The King Air series includes multiple variants, ranging from the compact C90, capable of carrying 6 to 7 passengers, to the larger 350i, which can seat up to 11 passengers in executive configurations. This flexibility allowed Beechcraft to cater to various mission profiles and customer needs.
  • Longevity and popularity: With over 7,000 units produced, the King Air series is the best-selling turboprop aircraft line in the world. Its continued popularity stems from its ability to operate in and out of short, unpaved runways, making it an excellent choice for remote operations.
beechcraft king air 90

The King Air series is still in production, more than 50 years after its introduction, highlighting its enduring appeal and Beechcraft’s adaptability to changing market demands.

5

Beechcraft Bonanza Series

The Bonanza has been in production for most of the history of private flying

Arguably the most famous Beechcraft aircraft, the Bonanza has been in continuous production since 1947, making it the longest-running aircraft production line in history. Known for its performance, handling, and reliability, the Bonanza is a favorite among private pilots and flight schools.

Beechcraft A36 Bonanza

Key Features of the Beechcraft Bonanza Series

  • V-tail design (early models): The early Bonanza models featured a distinctive V-tail configuration, which set it apart visually from other aircraft of its time. This design reduced drag and improved performance, but Beechcraft eventually replaced it with a conventional tail design due to structural concerns.
  • Single-engine performance: The Bonanza series is powered by various engines, including the Continental IO-520 and IO-550. These engines provide strong performance, with cruising speeds exceeding 200 knots and ranges of up to 1,000 miles, depending on the model and fuel load.
  • Variants: Over the years, the Bonanza has seen numerous variants, from the classic V-tail models to the more modern G36, which features advanced avionics, upgraded interiors, and improved performance. This versatility has kept the Bonanza relevant for over seven decades.

Bonanza’s reputation for safety, performance, and luxury have made it one of the most sought-after aircraft in the general aviation market.

Beechcraft’s general aviation aircraft have played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. From the rugged versatility of the Beechcraft Model 18 to the enduring legacy of the Bonanza series, these aircraft exemplify the innovation and quality that Beechcraft has come to represent. Whether for personal, corporate, or commercial use, Beechcraft’s aircraft continue to serve pilots and passengers worldwide with reliability and performance that few manufacturers can match.

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