The Beech 95-B55 Baron is a low-wing four/six-seats twin-engine business
and utility aircraft also used as an advanced pilot training aircraft.
Beech Aircraft Corporation introduced in 1960 the Model 55 Baron as a
development of the Model 95 Travel Air with swept tail, more powerful
engines with streamlined engine cowlings, etc. The prototype Model 55
Baron, N9695R c/n TC-1 initially designated C95A later Model 95-55, was
flown for the first time on 29 February 1960. The Model 95-55 was
powered by two 260 hp Continental IO-470 engines. The Beech 55 Baron was
placed in production with the first deliveries following in November
1960. The initial production model was a four/five-seater. A military
trainer and communications version is the T-42A Cochise. Beech used the
95-B55 designation for all 260-hp Barons from the introduction in 1963
to end of production in 1982. The Model 55 Baron was developed further
and the model 58 Baron was introduced in 1970. The Model 58 Baron
has an elongated cabin with huge cargo doors and was powered by two 285
hp Continental IO-520 engines. Over 6880 Beech Baron's of all variants
are built. On 8 February 1980, the Beech Aircraft
Corporation became a subsidiary of the Raytheon Company, the aircraft
were therefore also known as Raytheon Beech. In 2006, Raytheon sold
Raytheon Aircraft to Goldman Sachs creating Hawker Beechcraft. The entry
into bankruptcy of Hawker Beechcraft on 3 May 2012 ended with its
emergence on 16 February 2013 as a new entity: Beechcraft Corporation. The ICAO
Aircraft Type Designator for the Beech 95-B55 Baron is BE55 |