Beechcraft Bonanza (V35)

Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1945 · light aircraft

The Beechcraft Bonanza is America's classic high-performance single, and the V35 model is instantly known for its butterfly V-tail in place of a conventional fin and rudder.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.05 m fuselage
T — Tail	V-tail

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Distinctive V-tail with no separate vertical fin
Low tapered wing with retractable tricycle gear
Sleek high-performance single with a long pointed spinner

The V-tail is unmistakable, two angled surfaces meeting at a point with nothing standing upright. Combine that with the tapered low wing and retractable gear to confirm a V35.

Specifications

The Beechcraft Bonanza (V35) has a length of 8.05 m (26 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.21 m (33 ft).
Its maximum speed is 330 km/h (205 mph).
Typical crew: 1 pilot + 5 pax.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The Model 35 first flew in December 1945 and entered production in 1947, beginning one of the longest continuous production runs in aviation. The V-tailed line ran until 1982, by which point the design had become a benchmark for fast retractable singles.

Variants

The V-tail 35 and V35 are the iconic models; the conventional-tailed Model 33 (Debonair) and the stretched six-seat Model 36 use a normal fin and tailplane and remain in production as the G36. So V-tail means 35-series, conventional tail means 33 or 36.

Where you'll see it

In the UK the Bonanza is an enthusiast's and touring owner's aeroplane rather than a trainer, seen at fly-ins and on private strips; the V-tail in particular draws a devoted following despite its reputation for demanding handling.

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