Hawker Beechcraft Presents Special Edition 50th Anniversary Baron Models Aircraft

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is marking an important milestone, the 50th anniversary of its high performance piston twin, the Beechcraft Baron. More than 6,700 aircraft have been produced since the first Baron-55 was introduced in 1960. From the EAA airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Hawker Beechcraft announced they will be delivering the first of 12 specially equipped 50th Anniversary Beechcraft Baron models. The first of the anniversary models will begin arriving in August.

The anniversary editions will feature upgraded interiors and amenities, new paint schemes, and high performance Hartzell Scimitar propellers. Some of the details include specially engraved, 14-carat gold Baron and 50-year emblems set into the power quadrant and pilot and 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.

Hawker Beechcraft Special Edition 50th Anniversary Baron Models

Keith Nadolski, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation President, Beechcraft Americas, said: We have received strong customer interest in this special edition model and are especially proud of the Baron’s long standing position as the twin-engine piston aircraft that pilots aspire to own. It flies farther and faster with more payload than any other aircraft in its class.

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.