Beechcraft Duke
Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1966 · light aircraft
The Beechcraft Duke is a high-performance pressurised twin-piston aircraft positioned at the top of Beechcraft's piston range, combining turbocharged engines, counter-rotating propellers, and a pressurised cabin for comfortable high-altitude cruising.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.31 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Pressurised twin-piston low-wing tourer with turbocharged Lycoming TIO-541 engines
- Elegant elliptical-ish tapered wing with counter-rotating propellers
- Six-seat pressurised cabin — premium end of the light-twin market
A sleek, well-proportioned low-wing twin with a tapered wing, counter-rotating props (avoiding P-factor asymmetry), and a pressurised circular cross-section fuselage distinguishing it from the unpressurised Baron family.
Specifications
- The Beechcraft Duke has a length of 10.31 m (34 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.96 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 463 km/h (288 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown on 29 December 1966 and entering production in 1968, the Duke offered performance approaching turboprops with the economy of piston power. It was produced until 1982, with 596 built. Its high operating costs and complex systems gave it a reputation as a demanding but rewarding aircraft.
Variants
The A60 Duke introduced minor avionics and interior improvements; the B60 Duke added increased gross weight and further refinements. No turboprop variant was factory-produced.
Where you'll see it
Operated worldwide by private owners and small charter operators; remains popular in the US and Europe among piston enthusiasts. Many still in regular service.
Related aircraft
- Beechcraft 99 Airliner
- Beechcraft Queen Air B80
- Beechcraft King Air 65-90
- Beechcraft Bonanza A36
- BA-4B
- Cessna 177 Cardinal
- Cessna 401/402
- Dornier Do 28B
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