Beechcraft Baron 55
Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1960 · light aircraft
The Beechcraft Baron 55 is a twin-engine piston light aircraft that became one of the most successful business and personal aircraft in aviation history. Introduced in 1961 as an improved successor to the Beechcraft Travel Air, it offered substantially better performance and handling.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.53 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin piston-engine low-wing light twin with tapered wings
- Distinctive pointed nose with single-piece windscreen
- Retractable tricycle undercarriage
Low-wing twin with a notably pointed nose, large single-piece windscreen, and symmetrically cowled wing-mounted piston engines; the tapered wing and clean retractable undercarriage are characteristic.
Specifications
- The Beechcraft Baron 55 has a length of 8.53 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.53 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 crew + up to 4 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Baron 55 first flew in February 1960 and entered production for the 1961 model year. Beechcraft continuously refined the design; the Model 55 used 260 hp Continental IO-470 engines and established the template for all subsequent Baron variants. Over 6,900 Barons of all marks were built before production ended in the 1980s.
Variants
The Baron family grew to include the stretched Baron 58 with club seating, the pressurised Baron 58P, and the turbocharged 58TC; the 55 designation covered several subvariants differentiated by engine and equipment.
Where you'll see it
Widely used by private owners, flight training organisations, charter operators, and numerous military forces for liaison and light transport duties; the type remains common in general aviation worldwide.
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