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.

• Role: utility aircraft
• Manufacturer: Beechcraft
• First flight: 29 December 1966
• Introduction: July 1968
• Produced: 1968-1982
• Number built: 596

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

• Beechcraft 60: 113 aircraft
• Beechcraft A60: 121 aircraft
• Beechcraft B60: 350 aircraft

Military Operators

• Angola
• Jamaica

Specifications (Model 60)

General Characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Capacity: five passengers
• Length: 33 ft 10 in (10.31 m)
• Wingspan:
• Height: 12 ft 8 in (3.76 m)
• Wing area: 212.9 ft² (19.8 m²)
• Empty weight: 4,100 lb (1,860 kg)
• Loaded weight: 6,775 lb ( (3,073 kg)
• Useful load: 2,675 lb (1,213 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 6,775 lb (B Model) (3,073 kg)
• Powerplant: 2× Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 turbocharged six-cylinder, horizontally opposed direct drive engines, 380 hp (285 kW) each

Performance

• Never exceed speed: 235 kts (IAS) (270 mph (IAS))
• Maximum speed: 248 kts (285 mph / 459 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 239 kts (STP, 26,000’, 75% power)
• Stall speed: 76 kts (IAS) / 88 mph (IAS) Serials prior to P-486 without Kit 60-5023 (74 mph (IAS) / 85 mph (IAS) Serials P-486 and after or with Kit 60-5023 (VG kit))
• Range: 1,020 miles with 45 min reserve (1,640 km)
• Service ceiling: 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
• Rate of climb: 1,600 ft/min (488 m/min)

References

1. Shupek, John. Photos via The Skytamer Archive, copyright © 2009 Skytamer Images. All Rights Reserved
2. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Beechcraft Duke, 28 November 2009