Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is marking the 50th anniversary of its high performance piston twin, the Beechcraft Baron by offering a limited edition model.
More than 6,700 aircraft have been produced since the first Baron-55 was introduced in 1960.
“The success of the Baron is a testament to its exceptional design, innovation and value-enhancing improvements over the years, and to its loyal and enthusiastic customer base,” said Shawn Vick, HBC executive vice president.
The golden anniversary aircraft incorporates specially-engraved, 14-carat-gold Baron and 50-year emblems into the power quadrant and pilot/co-pilot control wheels, matching wheat leather seats and removable headrest covers with an embossed Beechcraft shield, and leather-wrapped yokes in an exclusive wheat finish. The aircraft also sports a heritage Beechcraft shield sculpted into the velvet cut Baron Brown carpet in the club seating area. Rosen sun visors, a Lightspeed Zulu headset and air-conditioning round out the internal enhancements.
Externally, the Hartzell blended airfoil Scimitar propellers equipped with unfeathering accumulators will provide a performance boost, while a choice of four color palettes and a specially-designed paint scheme give the anniversary aircraft a unique look, according to company officials.
The limited edition Baron is identified by an exclusive number sequence (1/12) and displays the heritage Beechcraft shield on the tail. Each aircraft features distinctive 50th anniversary commemorative graphics on the nacelles and fuselage, with upper leading-edge wing surfaces finished with select anniversary paint.
The Baron series debuted as an updated version of the Model 95 Travel Air. A stretch of the fuselage in 1970 changed the model designation from the B-55 to the B-58 and allowed for the addition of two more seats in the cabin. The current model, powered by two 300-horsepower Teledyne Continental IO-550 engines, has a maximum gross weight of 5,500 pounds. The G58 Baron has a maximum level speed at 6,000 feet of 202 knots or it can fly for up to 9 hours at a cruise speed of 167 knots, burning 18.6 gallons per hour at 10,000 feet. The 50th anniversary model offers a useful load of 1,504 pounds.
For more information: HawkerBeechcraft.com.
