Beechcraft Plane Types and Model Guide

Beechcraft

In 1932, Walter H. Beech left Curtiss-Wright Corporation to start designing and producing airplanes in Wichita, Kansas, with his wife, Olive Ann Beech. Beechcraft has since become a living legend in the United States. People felt the market for cabin biplane aircraft was not developed enough when they created Model 17. Nonetheless, intending to produce the “finest airplane in the world,” Walter and Ann Beech positioned themselves as aviation pioneers.

Model 17 Beechcraft the Staggerwing was not Walter Beech’s first aircraft, but it was the first Beech aircraft he developed. Hundreds of these planes were sold to both civilians and the military in the United States. Beech Aircraft’s philosophy was innovative technology, customer happiness, and corporate integrity, which it upholds to this day.

The V-tailed V-35 Bonanza was their most revolutionary airplane in lightplane history; it was a quick, light, comfortable, and easy-to-fly four-seater that made personal transportation in light planes a reality. The Beechcraft Bonanza enjoys the status for being the longest-running aircraft in production, with many variants throughout the years, and it is still in production today.

Beechcraft was one of the “big three” in general aviation in the mid-to-late 20th century. Beechcraft has merged with numerous companies and names over the years, but Beechcraft’s name has never lost value.

The firm was formed in the 1930s and was bought by Raytheon Company in 1980 until it was purchased by Textron Aviation in 2013. With this transaction, Beechcraft has finally joined forces with Cessna, a long-time competitor.

Current Airplanes

Beechcraft King Air 360

Beechcraft King Air 360

Entered service in 2020, the King Air family is a very successful business turboprop family with its numerous variants sold more than 7,000 airplanes. After 50 years of continual innovation, its success and reputation for businesses continue to be strong. With a starting price of $7.9 million, the king of air offers updated onboard technologies and a more comfortable flying experience to pilots, all while maintaining its cabin comfort leadership and even having a lower cabin altitude. Since the 1960s, King Air has been flying for businessmen, private airlines, and national governments.

The King Air 360 has a basic seating layout that can accommodate nine passengers, with a maximum capacity of eleven. Its acoustic features deliver a quiet turboprop experience while also providing optional Wi-Fi connectivity.

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. All these modifications demonstrate that Beechcraft values consumer feedback. Pleasure and productivity on a flight are easily managed with a large range of cabin amenities, including pull-out worktables, an integrated refreshment center, universal plugs, USB outlets, and a private rear aft lavatory.

In addition to having all these interior amenities, the 360 has a lower cabin altitude than the King Air 350i. At heights of 27,000 feet, it achieves a cabin altitude of 5,960 feet, which improves passenger comfort. Standard wing lockers and a spacious interior luggage compartment give a variety of loading possibilities.

Textron also demonstrates its creative side when it comes to performance. Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense autothrottle system is included with the Air King 360. Previously, this was an optional upgrade for King Airs, but with the King Air 360, Beechcraft incorporated it as standard equipment. For a more efficient takeoff, this system provides precise control for optimal power output, as well as over-torque/overtempt protection. The digital pressurization system, on the other hand, schedules cabin pressure on both climbs and descent, automatically maintaining the low cabin altitude stated and minimizing the pilot effort when used in conjunction with the autothrottle system.

Two Pratt / Whitney Canada PT6A-60A turboprop engines with 1,050 shaft horsepower power the Air King 360. The Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite comprises three 14-inch touchscreen displays, synthetic vision systems, and graphical flight planning on the avionics side. Standard equipment includes an engine-indicated and crew-alerting system (EICAS), a dual flight management system (FMS), a MultiScan Weather Radar system (WXR), integrated terrain awareness and warning system (iTAWS), and an automated flight guidance system (AFGS).

Overall, King Air 360 is demonstrating to its customers that the company will not abandon its strong position in the twin turboprop industry while also investing in a new design.

Table 1: King Air 360 Specs and Performance- Source: Beechcraft Website

Beechcraft King Air 360 Specifications
Length 46 ft 8 in (14.2 m) MTOW 15,000 lb (6,804 kg)
Height 14 ft 4 in (4.4 m) Useful Load 5,145 lb (2,334 kg)
Wingspan 57 ft 11 in (17.65 m) Max Payload 2,545 lb (1,154 kg)
Cabin Height 57 in (1.45 m) Max Occupants 11
Cabin Width 54 in (1.37 m) Takeoff Field Length (MTOW) 3,300 ft (1,006 m)
Cabin Length 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m) Max Range (Ferry, LRC) 1,806 nm (3,345 km)
Internal Baggage Capacity 550 lb (249 kg) Max Cruise Speed 312 ktas (578 km/h)
Wing Lockers Capacity 600 lb (272 kg) Max operating Altitude 35,000 ft (10,668 m)
Engine Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A Propeller Hartzell 4 blade- constant-speed
Power Rating 1,050 shp Stall Speed 81 kcas (150 km/h)

Under the designation King Air 360ER, Beechcraft provides a longer-range variant of the 360. This model has a maximum range of 2,692 nm, a maximum capacity of 15 passengers, and a usable load of 7,145 lb. All of this has an impact on the length of the takeoff field, which 360ER requires at 4,057 feet.

Beechcraft sells the 360ER to governmental, military, and commercial clients who require airborne solutions for mission-critical tasks.

Beechcraft King Air 260

Beechcraft King Air 260

In July 2021, Beechcraft introduced the new King Air 260 turboprop. The elegant, renovated cabin interior will be offered for the new King Air 260, which has new cabinets and a range of rich materials and color palettes.

The King Air 260, like the 300 series, is part of a well-known twin-turboprop family. Textron Aviation states that updating their products regularly is a top priority for them. The new King Air 260 achieves this aim by incorporating cutting-edge technology into the cockpit and improving flying comfort. ThrustSense Autothrottle is an Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) technology that assists pilots in their important task of transporting people or cargo by automatically adjusting engine power from takeoff to climb, cruise, descent, landing, and all other stages of flight.

The King Air 260 can transport up to nine passengers and has a maximum range of 17,20 nm and a high cruising speed of 310 ktas. The 260’s cockpit now features a new digital pressurization controller that automatically schedules cabin pressure. Multi-scan Colins RTA-4112 is a completely automated weather radar system that allows short, medium, and long-range weather detection. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engines with Hartzell propellers.

Table 2: King Air 260 Specs and Performance- Source: Beechcraft Website

Beechcraft King Air 260 Specifications
Length 43 ft 10 in (13.4 m) MTOW 12,500 lb (5,670 kg)
Height 14 ft 10 in (4.5 m) Useful Load 3,760 lb (1,706 kg)
Wingspan 57 ft 11 in (17.65 m) Max Payload 2,170 lb (984 kg)
Cabin Height 57 in (1.4 m) Max Occupants 9
Cabin Width 54 in (1.37 m) Takeoff Distance 2,111 ft (643 m)
Cabin Length 16 ft 8 in (5.1 m) Max Range 1,720 nm (3185.4 km)
Baggage Capacity 550 lb (249 kg) Max Cruise Speed 310 ktas (574 km/h)
Baggage Volume 55.3 cu ft (1.57 cu m) Max operating Altitude 35,000 ft (10,668 m)
Engine Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 Propeller Hartzell, 4 blade, composite, constant speed
Power Rating 850 shp Stall Speed 80 kcas (148 km/h)

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. These are outfitted to carry out their specific duties.

Beechcraft Denali

Beechcraft Denali

Planned to have its first towards the end of 2021, the Denali was created to become Textron Aviation’s most sophisticated single-engine turboprop. Denali arrived to transform the situation in the turboprop industry with a cabin akin to business jets, a dual-channel FADEC, and an entirely new engine. Denali is an entirely new design that is not based on any of the company’s prior models. Textron said it would continue to invest in clean-sheet designs, and single-engine aircraft Denali is an excellent addition to Beechcraft’s legendary turboprop product line.

With anticipated reduced operating costs, Garmin G3000 avionics, and the biggest cabin in its class, the Beechcraft Denali is meant to beat its rivals. The Denali will have a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruising, with cruise speeds of 285 knots and a full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds.

The Denali aircraft has a cabin that may be configured in a variety of ways. It can accommodate eight to eleven people in various configurations. According to Textron, the cabin provides passengers with the space and amenities normally found on midsize jet aircraft. It has executive-style seats, a cabin switch panel for adjusting cabin temperature and ventilation, an in-flight accessible luggage compartment, a front refreshment center, and an optional exterior serviceable belted lavatory.

As previously stated, Denali had the first brand-new turboprop engine in more than 30 years. The Catalyst engine was designed with simplicity in mind by GE engineers. The industry’s first single-lever power control system, the Full Authority Digital Engine and Propeller Control (FADEPC), reduces pilot effort while increasing control and responsiveness.

Textron also introduces a new avionics package in conjunction with the engine. Garmin G3000 avionics with Garmin Integrated Autothrottle is installed on the Beechcraft Denali. Denali also has synthetic vision technology, dual Garmin FMS with dual WAAS-enabled GPS receivers for navigation, weather avoidance warning system (TAWS-B), Garmin traffic collision and avoidance system (TCAS I), and an improved automated flight control system.

Table 3: Denali Specs and Performance- Source: Beechcraft Website

Beechcraft Denali Specifications
Length 48 ft 9 in (14.86 m) Max Cruise Speed 285 ktas (528 km/h)
Height 15 ft 3 in (4.65 m) Max Occupants 8-11
Wingspan 54 ft 3 in (16.54 m) 4 Passenger Range 1,600 nm (2,963 km)
Cabin Height 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) Takeoff Distance 2,950 ft (899 m)
Cabin Width 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) Max Operating Altitude 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Cabin Length 16 ft 9 in (5.11 m) Engine-Propeller GE Catalyst-McCauley 5-blade digitally controlled
Full Fuel Payload 1,100 lb (499 kg) Power Rating 1,300 shp (969 kW)

Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Beechcraft Bonanza G36 has become a model of excellence as a small piston private carrier for many. It is the longest single-engine piston aircraft manufactured with a lengthy history of excellence and recognition, and it is still being produced today. The tale of aircraft remaining in its manufacturing longer than any other is genuinely prevalent in aviation. A special 75th-anniversary version was developed by Textron Aviation in 2021 with a vintage design, which bears the blue hue of the Olive Ann Beech. She was one of the creators of the company and a true aviation pioneer.

On 22 December 1945, the first version of the famous airplane began. The aircraft has since had numerous alterations, of course, but it remains the only 6-seater aspired engine manufactured to date. It is fitted with contemporary digital Garmin G1000 avionics and has G indexes for its newest edition because of this reason.

The G36 has a synthetic vision feature that allows it to fly in low-light situations. Forward enhanced vision systems (EVS), namely the EVS-100 and EVS-600, are responsible for this functionality.

Another key characteristic of the Bonanza G36 is its ability to provide itself with the necessary power when the main battery fails. The standby alternator and secondary backup battery are in charge of this. When the power goes out, the latter can give 30 minutes of extra time.

The flight deck has been enhanced to make control as simple as feasible. Higher-resolution displays, more powerful technology, an optional SurfaceWatch for better situational awareness, and a GFC 700 autopilot system make the pilot’s job easier.

The Continental IO-550-B piston engine produces 300 horsepower, and the Beechcraft Bonanza G36 has a three-blade metal and constant-speed Hartzell propeller. The aircraft is equipped with a wireless database and flight plan loading option, as well as a standard Garmin electronic stability and protection system and several additional avionics.

The aircraft’s interior ensures that passengers enjoy a comfortable trip by providing a 137ft3 space. It also has leather seats, an entertainment system, reading lamps, and other features. On the ground, pressurized air cylinders provide air conditioning, but during flight, the plane merely opens tiny vents on the hull. Individual climate-controlled air vents are provided for each passenger.

Table 4: Bonanza G36 Specs and Performance- Source: Beechcraft Website

Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Specifications
Length 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m) Max Payload 1,060 lb (481 kg)
Height 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m) Max Cruise Speed 176 ktas (326 km/h)
Wingspan 33 ft 6 in (10.21 m) Max Occupants 6
Cabin Height 50 in (1.27 m) Baggage Capacity 70 lb (32 kg) – 10 cu ft (0.3 cu m)
Cabin Width 42 in (1.07 m) Takeoff Distance 1,913 ft (583 m)
Cabin Length 12 ft 7 in (3.84 m) Service Ceiling-Max Range 18,500 ft (5,639 m)-920 nm (1,704 km)
Full Fuel Payload 629 lb (285 kg) Engine-Propeller Continental IO-550-B – Hartzell Propeller
MTOW 3,650 lb (1,656 kg) Power Rating 300 hp

Beechcraft Baron G58

Beechcraft Baron G58

The maiden flight of the twin-piston Baron took place in 1969. In 2019, Baron celebrated its 50th anniversary, with more than 3,100 aircraft delivered globally since the initial delivery in 1970. The Baron 58 offers the ideal blend of adaptability, superior performance, and handling, as well as cutting-edge technology and cockpit/cabin comfort.

G in her name, as it is in recent Bonanza, comes from Garmin. Baron and Bonanza are extremely similar; this may also be observed in avionics. 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. The new equipment, comprising Garmin GMA 1360, GFC 700 Autopilot with the Enhanced Automatic Flight Control System (E-AFCS) and GWX 75 and Doppler weather radar, increases the satellite navigability and graphical technology of the Garmin G1000 NXi, as well as digital flight management features.

The Baron G58 is powered by two 300 hp Teledyne Continental IO-550-C engines that can carry four people over 1,000 miles nonstop at a maximum cruise speed of 202 ktas. It has a seating capacity of up to 6 people.

Table 5: Baron G58 Specs and Performance- Source: Beechcraft Website

Beechcraft Baron G58 Specifications
Length 29 ft10 in (9.09 m) Max Payload 1,435 lb (651 kg)
Height 9 ft 9 in (2.97 m) Max Cruise Speed 202 ktas (374 km/h)
Wingspan 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m) Max Occupants 6
Cabin Height 50 in (1.27 m) Baggage Capacity 420 lb (190.5 kg), 28 cu ft (0.79 cu m)
Cabin Width 42 in (1.07 m) Takeoff Distance 2,345 ft (715 m)
Cabin Length 12 ft 7 in (3.84 m) Service Ceiling 20,688 ft (6,306 m)
Full Fuel Payload 395 lb (179 kg) Engine-Propeller 2*Continental IO-550-C, McCauley 3 blade metal constant speed propeller
MTOW 5,500 lb (2,495 kg) Power Rating 300 hp

Beechcraft T-6C Texan II and AT-6 Wolverine

Texan II T6-C is a training aircraft for the military developed for all levels of training and trains pilots for operations in the real world. Each training ability, from the basic pilot screens to advanced operational training, is aimed to provide the pilots with competence and confidence in the performance of military airplane operations.

AT-6 Wolverine, on the other hand, is a light attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft. These planes are now being used by modern armies to reduce the expense of air-to-ground assistance and manned reconnaissance missions.

Previous Airplanes

Beechcraft has produced numerous models throughout the years, each with multiple modifications, making it difficult to discuss them all on one page. Current models include the King Air, Baron, Bonanza, and Denali, which are the newest members of their respective families. As a result, prior versions of those families will not be investigated, except for the King Air C90B, which is an important aircraft that is no longer in production. All other significant aircraft families are summarized.

Beechcraft Staggerwing

Beechcraft Staggerwing

Walter Beech worked for Curtiss-Wright before deciding to relocate to Wichita and create their aircraft firm with his wife, Ann. The new Beechcraft Model 17 was designed to follow the preceding Curtiss-Wright Model 16 and rolled out of the factory on November 5, 1932, seven months after design work began. This biplane had a radial engine with 420 horsepower and fixed landing gear encased in massive fairings. For this aircraft, Beech offered a Wright Cyclone engine with 690 horsepower as well. Yet in those times, the USA had Great Depression, and at first buyers for this big biplane were hard to find.

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. It had a remarkable performance for its day, with a rate of climb of 1,600 feet per minute, a ceiling of nearly 20,000 feet, and a landing speed of just 60 miles per hour.

Staggerwing gets its name from the way its wings are positioned, with the lower wing being 25 inches ahead of the upper. It is a famous type not just because of its wing configuration but also because it was the first Beechcraft aircraft manufactured. Model 17 has undergone several variations throughout the years for a variety of causes and the aim of betterment.

Beechcraft Musketeer

Beechcraft Musketeer

Beech offered five Musketeers, all with the same basic airframe, and was designed out of the 1962 model 23 Musketeer. The 1969 Musketeer Series was made up of a Super III 200 hp 4-seater at a normal price of $18,450; the Custom III 180 hp, a four-seater for 16,250 dollars; a Custom III Aerobatic at $18,950; the two-seater (four-seater) Sport III Aerobatic for $16,250.

The Musketeer family has been advertised to perform many tasks, from training to longer-haul tours. Beechcraft manufactured several versions and occasionally made name changes to their models via Musketeer’s family, which is the reason why naming and numbers are confusing. Popular Model 24 Sierra is also a member of this family.

As far as flight characteristics are concerned, aircraft simply accomplish with little complaint what it is requested. As the engine performs a lot in takeoff and the Musketeer family has a lot of variations on different engines, it is difficult for all family members to say something, but it should be borne in mind, even though a more engine may mean greater performance, weight, and consumption are increased.

The Musketeer’s owners claim that while cross-country flights are pleasant, high speeds are impractical. It cruises at about 110 ktas in 150-hp versions and 120-125 ktas in 180-hp ones.

Beechcraft WW-II Aircrafts

AT-10 Wichita

AT-10 Wichita

In 1940 USA was preparing for the war. A major part of this preparation was the exponential expansion of the Army Air Corps. In the past US Army used old bombers to train pilots, but with an increasing number of trainees, these were not enough. For the first time, Air Corps got dedicated multi-engine training airplanes.

The Beech Model 25 had two seats that were side by side. A retractable canopy shielded the cockpit. It featured two Lycoming R-680-9 engines with a maximum continuous rating of 280 horsepower at 2200 rpm and a take-off rating of 295 hp at 2300 rpm.

XA-38 Grizzly

The Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly was an experimental attack aircraft developed in response to a request from the United States Air Forces for a two-seat assault bomber. 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 Model 28 was intended primarily to attack gun emplacements, ships, armored vehicles, and bunkers while maintaining excellent agility and the ability to remain airborne after being damaged.

Beechcraft T-34 Mentor

Beechcraft T-34 Mentor

The T-34 Mentor is a single-engine, basic trainer aircraft designed and manufactured by Beechcraft for the USA Air Force and Navy. It was derived from the Bonanza, and about 2,300 were built between 1953 and 1959.

As previously stated, it was created by altering the Bonanza, with improvements including the replacement of the fuselage with a thin fuselage and the addition of contemporary engines. 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. With a flying envelope of +10 g and -4.5 g, the aircraft can hover.

Beechcraft Twin Bonanza

The Twin Bonanza was a large Bonanza with two engines in the nose that was produced from 1951 to 1963. The single-engine section was replaced with an extra center section situated on a wing center section that supported two nacelles with Bonanza wings connected to their outer edges. In the first and second rows, the resulting 54-inch-wide cabin allowed for three-across seating. Later models included a variety of seating choices, including a three-person side-facing couch. Some Twin Bonanzas can accommodate up to seven people.

Twin Bonanzas were to be powered by Franklin Supercharged Engines, but when the air section of Franklin was shut down, these plans were stopped down. Later, in the 1952 Model 50 and 1953 Model B50, Beech utilized a Lycoming GO-435 engine that produced 260 horsepower. The first engines had two-blade wooden propellers with a diameter of approximately eight feet. With the advent of the GO-480 in the 1954 C50, power was increased to 275 hp. The first supercharged T-Bone (also known as Twin Bonanza) was debuted in 1957, with a 340 horsepower GSO-480S engine.

The Twin Bonanza looks more like a straight-tailed King Air with piston engines instead of being more like Bonanza. Beech introduced the Model 65 Queen Air in 1960, based on the Twin Bonanza’s wings and robust carry-through structure.

Beechcraft Queen Air

Beechcraft Queen Air

The ruling Queen Air was the Twin Bonanza’s direct output. The Model 50 would surely be an excellent airframe to expand on if Beech were to create bigger aircraft. Prototype 65 was developed using six Twin Bonanzas on August 28th, 1958.

Even with the subsequent visual modification from the slab to the swept tail, the queen was never a very attractive airplane but is renowned for its efficiency and durability. Three main changes were introduced throughout their manufacturing years: the swept tail, pressure cabin, and the substitution of PT-6A turboprops to Lycoming 480. The magnificent Model 90 King Air, the top turboprop in its class, was released with this last modification. The Model 99 airliner is also a product of the illustrious Queen Air.

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. The Queen Air’s Lycoming engines are either 340 horsepower or 380 hp with supercharging.

Beechcraft Duke

The Duke from Beechcraft is often regarded as one of the most attractive airplanes. The line between the P-Baron and the King Air with its pressurized cabin is represented by Duke. The Duke, which has been in production since 1966, competes with Piper’s P-Navajo and, of course, the Cessna 414 and 421 pressurized twins. Manufacturing methods and materials, including skin bonding and honeycomb panels, allowed the Duke to be advanced in its day. Duke has three versions over the years: straight 60, A60, and B60. There were a total of 596 Dukes constructed.

The Duke moves quickly but consumes a lot of gasoline. At 24,000 feet, the maximum cruise speed is around 220 knots (250 miles per hour) at 65-70 percent power. The average fuel usage is around 40 gph. Duke was propelled by two Lycoming TIO 541-E1C4 piston engines with three-blade propellers, each producing 380 horsepower. However, engine upgrades such as Royal Turbine from Rocket Engineering are now available, which offers 2 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-35.

Overall, Duke provides great passenger comfort. Its cabin is 10,000 feet above sea level when flying at 24,000 feet, which is higher than other six-seat pressurized twins.

Beechcraft 1900 Airliner

Beechcraft 1900 Airliner

It’s a 19-passenger plane designed for commuter routes with numerous stops; it’s just recently begun to emerge on the flight line. The plane was built to transport people in all types of weather from airports with short runways. In combination with the T-tail, the strong dihedral in the low wing provides 1900 a distinctive look.

It measures 17.6 meters in length and 16.61 meters in wingspan, with a cruising speed of 280 miles per hour (451 kilometers per hour).

Beechcraft Starship

The Starship was a double turboprop pusher with a canard design and a composite structure. It was originally constructed in 1983 and was intended for the executive transport market to succeed Beechcraft’s 15-year-old King Air 200, but only 53 starships were manufactured before Beechcraft discontinued the line in 1995. You’ll realize why it’s named Starship after you see it. With its turboprop pusher design and canard wing arrangement, it was a one-of-a-kind aircraft.

It had a passenger capacity of 6 and an MTOW of 14,900. It was propelled by two McCauley 5-bladed 104-inch propellers and was powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A turboprops. It had a top speed of 335 kts (385 mph) at 32,000 ft and a cruising speed of 324 kts (373 mph) at 25,000 ft.

Hawker Beechcraft Aircrafts

Beechcraft Premier

Beechcraft Premier

The Premier debuted in the 2000s under the Raytheon Aircraft brand, featuring a composite fuselage and conventional metal wings. Cessna Citation Jet was its primary competition. Although the Raytheon/Beechcraft Starship was a commercial failure, it paved the way for planes like the Premier and Hawker 4000, which have composite fuselages that are robust, lightweight, and spacious on the interior.

Premier received over 300 orders from consumers in 27 countries till October 2001, with around 100 of them coming from outside the United States. Raytheon was one of the company’s customers.

Premiers can run at 450 ktas (Mach 0.78) while burning 1,000 pounds per hour because of a sweeping wing. Long-range cruising is greatest at FL410 when it can achieve 375 ktas/Mach 0.68 and burn 700 pounds of fuel per hour. Despite the sweeping wing, it performs well on the sea level runway. On a typical day, just 3,792 feet of runway is needed. Premier I is powered by two 2,300-pound Williams FJ44-2A engines. It’s 46 feet long with a 44-foot-six-inch wingspan and eight seats.

Hawker 4000

In 1996 it was announced that Raytheon Aircraft, branded as Horizon, controlled the firm until 2008. It was still in production. The Hawker 4000 is impressive in size and performance while preserving Hawker traditions such as exceptional cabin comfort and enjoyable flight features. However, after the purchase by Textron in 2014, the elimination of the Hawker product line brought down values of 4000 due to lack of support fears.

The cabin has 6 feet of height and a flat floor, and it measures 6 feet 5 inches inch width. In comparison to typical aluminum constructions, the thin composite wall allows for a wider interior width. The cabin also offers a 6,000-square-foot cabin at FL450. The Hawker 4000 is 69 feet 6 inches long and has a wingspan of 61 feet9 inches. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is 39,500 pounds, and its maximum cruising speed is 0.84 Mach (482 mph), giving it a range of 3,100 nautical miles. It has a seating capacity of 10-11.

Hawker 800

Hawker 800

Hawker’s 800A was produced in 1984 with its popular TFE-731 fanjets from Honeywell. At the time, in the mid-size jet market, there wasn’t much competition and Hawkers were popular. The 800A rapidly became known as a corporate jet with little compromises. Many pilots of 800 mentioned how robust the aircraft is and the aircraft delivered on that promise, except in hot or high-altitude circumstances.

It features a cabin that is 6 feet wide and 5 feet tall, making it one of the finest in its class. The Hawker 800XP is 51 feet 2 inches long and has a wingspan of 51 feet 4 inches. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is 28,000 pounds, and its maximum cruising speed is 0.8 Mach (452 mph), giving it a range of 2,500 nautical miles. It has a seating capacity of 8 to 12 people.

Further Read:

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is Beechcraft still in business?

Answer: Yes, it is still in business and keeps producing legendary aircraft. It is located in Wichita, Kansas.

Question: How much does a King Air cost?

Answer: The new King Air 360 has a starting price of $7.9 million. However, depending on the manufacture year, total flying hours, and other factors, a pre-owned King Air 350 may be found for a broad variety of prices. For example, in 2021, a King Air 350 is offered for $1.2 million, in spite of the fact that it was manufactured in 1990 and has 7200 hours of flying time, while another model from 2002 is available for $2.2 million and has 3674 hours of flight time.

Question: What is the top speed of King Air?

Answer: It has a max cruise speed of 312 ktas (578 km/h).

Question: Why is the Beechcraft Bonanza called the doctor killer?

Answer: Bonanza has been in production longer than any other aircraft and is regarded as a real legend. It’s a single-engine plane that’s highly appealing to inexperienced pilots. However, aircraft performance might be well above what inexperienced pilots can handle. This doctor saying aims to convey that doctors who earn much are enjoying a bonanza, but that due to a lack of competence, they are destined to crash. In summation, it is a phrase that alludes to Bonanza’s performance and attractiveness.

Question: Is the Beechcraft Baron pressurized?

Answer: The current G58 model includes a pressurized cabin as well as automated climate control, which automatically sets the cabin and cockpit temperatures and pressure.

Question: Is Beechcraft owned by Textron?

Answer: Yes, Beechcraft has been owned by Textron Aviation since March 2014. It was previously owned by Raytheon. With the purchase of it by Textron, Textron owns both Beechcraft and also Cessna.

References

Textron, A. (n.d.). Beechcraft: A History. Beechcraft: A History. https://txtav.com/en/journey/articles/articles/beechcraft-a-history.

Flying, M. (2012, December 21). Beechcraft: A History | Flying. Beechcraft: A History | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/photo-gallery/photos/beechcraft-history/.

Beechcraft King Air 360

Boatman, J. (2020, August 4). New Beechcraft King Air 360 Eases Pilot Workload | Flying. New Beechcraft King Air 360 Eases Pilot Workload | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/story/aircraft/new-beechcraft-king-air-360/.

Horne, T. A. (2021, September 1). The New Kings – AOPA. The new Kings – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2021/september/pilot/beechcraft-king-air-360.

Scott, D. (2021, February 11). Royal Flying Doctor Service Selects Upgraded Special Missions Beechcraft King Air 360 Aircraft | Textron Aviation Media Center. Textron Aviation newsroom. https://media.txtav.com/196501-royal-flying-doctor-service-selects-upgraded-special-missions-beechcraft-king-air-360-aircraft.

Pallini, T. (2021, February 28). Why an Airline CEO Is Excited for Textron Aviation’s New King Air 360. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/new-textron-king-air-360-airline-executive-interview-2021-2#and-the-side-tables-have-been-elevated-so-passengers-have-more-knee-space-the-improvements-may-seem-basic-but-likely-come-as-a-result-of-customer-feedback-stockton-said-7.

King Air 360 Brochure. (n.d.). King Air 360. https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/king-air-360#Interior.

Beechcraft King Air 260

Horne, T. A. (2020, December 2). King Air 260 Debuts – AOPA. King Air 260 debuts – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/december/02/king-air-260-debuts.

Frazier, D. (2020, December 2). Textron Aviation Introduces the King Air 260 To Its Renowned Turboprop Lineup | Textron Aviation Media Center. Textron Aviation newsroom. https://media.txtav.com/195620-textron-aviation-introduces-the-king-air-260-to-its-renowned-turboprop-lineup.

Frazier, D. (2021, July 26). New Interiors And Cabin Amenities Introduced for Beechcraft King Air 260 Twin Turboprops | Textron Aviation Media Center. Textron Aviation newsroom. https://media.txtav.com/201201-new-interiors-and-cabin-amenities-introduced-for-beechcraft-king-air-260-twin-turboprops.

Extreme Flexibility, Endless Opportunity. (n.d.). King Air 260. https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/king-air-260.

Beechcraft Denali

Beechcraft Denali. (n.d.). Beechcraft Denali. https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/denali.

Denali: At The Core. (n.d.). Denali: At The Core. https://txtav.com/en/journey/articles/articles/denali-at-the-core.

Frazier, D. (2021, July 21). Single-engine Denali Aircraft Joins the Legendary Beechcraft Turboprop Family As Program Progresses Toward First Flight | Textron Aviation Media Center. Textron Aviation newsroom. https://media.txtav.com/201177-single-engine-denali-aircraft-joins-the-legendary-beechcraft-turboprop-family-as-program-progresses-toward-first-flight.

Mark, R. (2021, July 21). Textron Aviation’s Denali Joins the Beechcraft Family | Flying. Textron Aviation’s Denali Joins the Beechcraft Family | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/story/aircraft/textron-aviations-denali-joins-beechcraft-family/.

GE, A. (n.d.). GE’s Catalyst | GE Aviation. GE’s Catalyst | GE Aviation. https://www.geaviation.com/bga/engines/ge-catalyst.

Beechcraft Bonanza G36

White, S. (2021, April 13). Textron Aviation’s Special Edition 75th Anniversary Beechcraft Bonanza Blends Modern Technology With Retro Styling | Textron Aviation Media Center. Textron Aviation newsroom. https://media.txtav.com/198184-textron-aviation-s-special-edition-75th-anniversary-beechcraft-bonanza-blends-modern-technology-with-retro-styling.

Beechcraft Bonanza. (n.d.). Bonanza G36. https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/bonanza-g36.

Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Aircraft – Aerospace Technology. (n.d.). Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Aircraft – Aerospace Technology. https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/beechcraftbonanzag36/.

Beechcraft Baron G58

Beechcraft Baron G58: Easy Twin Transition. (n.d.). Baron G58. https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/baron-g58.

Mark, R. (2018, March 2). What It’s Like To Fly the Beechcraft Baron G58 | Flying. What It’s Like to Fly the Beechcraft Baron G58 | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/what-its-like-to-fly-beechcraft-baron-g58/.

Austin, K. (2019, July 22). Continued Innovation Drives Textron Aviation’s Iconic Beechcraft Baron 58 To 50-year Milestone | Textron Aviation Media Center. Textron Aviation newsroom. https://media.txtav.com/194201-continued-innovation-drives-textron-aviation-s-iconic-beechcraft-baron-58-to-50-year-milestone.

Beechcraft T-6C Texan II and AT-6 Wolverine

AT-6. (n.d.). AT-6. https://defense.txtav.com/en/at-6.

T-6C. (n.d.). T-6C. https://defense.txtav.com/en/t-6c#overview.

Previous Airplanes

Bedell, P. A. (2019, May 1). Quick Look: Raytheon (Beechcraft)Premier I/IA – AOPA. Quick Look: Raytheon (Beechcraft)Premier I/IA – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2019/may/pilot/turbine-quick-look-raytheon.

BEECH 60 Duke – SKYbrary Aviation Safety. (n.d.). BEECH 60 Duke – SKYbrary Aviation Safety. https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/BE60.

Estaff (2019, October 2). Beech Duke: – Aviation Consumer. Aviation Consumer. https://www.aviationconsumer.com/aircraftreviews/beech-duke/.

Bedell, P. A. (2017, May 1). Quick Look: Put Up Your Dukes – AOPA. Quick Look: Put Up Your Dukes – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2017/may/pilot/quick-look-duke.

Jeffrey L., E. (1979). Used aircraft guide : Internet Archive. Scribner.

Bedell, P. A. (1999, September 5). Beech Twin Bonanza – AOPA. Beech Twin Bonanza – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/1999/september/pilot/beech-twin-bonanza.

Beechcraft T-34 Mentor Trainer Aircraft – Airforce Technology. (2021, September 2). Beechcraft T-34 Mentor Trainer Aircraft – Airforce Technology. https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/t-34-trainer/.

Guo, L., & Posts By Leo Guo →, V. A. (2017, December 26). Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly. Plane-Encyclopedia. https://plane-encyclopedia.com/ww2/beechcraft-xa-38-grizzly/.

Holcomb, M. (2000). Beech AT-10 Wichita. Journal Of Aerospace.

McDowell, J. (2021, May 25). Approachable Aircraft: Beech Sundowner And Musketeer | Flying. Approachable Aircraft: Beech Sundowner and Musketeer | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/story/aircraft/approachable-aircraft-beech-sundowner-musketeer/.

Christy, J. (1970). The single-engine Beechcrafts : Internet Archive. Crown Publishers.

Garrison, P. (2018, August 8). Why the Staggerwing Was the Climax, And the End, Of an Era | Flying. Why the Staggerwing was the Climax, and the End, of an Era | Flying. https://www.flyingmag.com/staggerwing-was-climax-and-end-an-era/.

Berry, P. (1990). Beechcraft Staggerwing : Internet Archive (NaN ed.). TAB BOOKS.

Bedell, P. A. (2018, September 1). Quick Look: Hawker 4000 – AOPA. Quick Look: Hawker 4000 – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2018/september/pilot/turbine-quick-look-hawker-4000.

Bedell, P. A. (2019, November 1). Quick Look: Hawker 800 Series – AOPA. Quick Look: Hawker 800 series – AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2019/november/pilot/turbine-quick-look-hawker-800-series.

Pilotmall.com , E. (Ed.). (2019, December 24). The History Of the Beechcraft Starship Plane And Its (Sad) Ending – PilotMall.com. PilotMall.com. https://www.pilotmall.com/blogs/news/the-history-of-the-beechcraft-starship-and-its-sad-ending.

Montgomery, M. (1984). A field guide to airplanes of North America : Internet Archive. Archive.org.

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