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Beechcraft Duke Model B60
United States — Four/six-seat utility light cabin monoplane
Archive Photos
1973 Beechcraft B60 "Duke" (N2889W, s/n P-249) at the 2000 Torrance Airshow, Zamperini Field, Torrance, CA
Overview
The Beechcraft B60 "Duke" is a Twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft created by Beechcraft. The machine has a nose-wheel, retractable landing gear and a pressurized cabin. The two piston engines are turbocharged and the turbochargers also pressurize the cabin with bleed air.
Design and Development
The development of the Beechcraft 60 began in early 1965 and it was designed to close the gap between the Beechcraft Baron and the Beechcraft Queen Air. On 29 December 1966 the prototype made its first flight. On 1 February 1968 the FAA issued the Type certificate. Distribution to customers began in July 1968.
The Beechcraft A60, which came onto the market in 1970, represented an advancement with an improved pressurized cabin, lighter and more efficient turbochargers, and improved elevators. The last variant, the B60, was introduced in 1974. The interior arrangement was renewed and the engine efficiency again increased by improved turbochargers. The Beechcraft 60 was, despite their very good performance, only a moderate seller, principally because the complicated technology demanded a high expenditure on maintenance. Production was stopped in 1982. An unscientific survey of pilots who have flown this aircraft will reveal rave review for its timeless looks, airborne performance and handling characteristics but they will also readily concede that maintenance cost due to the aircraft’s complexity can be a drawback to owning this plane.
Production Figures
Military Operators
Specifications (Model 60)
General Characteristics
Performance
References