Beechcraft 24

The Beechcraft Model 24, commonly known as the Twin Ray, was introduced in 1968 by Beechcraft as a twin‑engine development of the successful single‑engine Model 18. Designed to meet the growing demand for reliable, economical corporate and regional transport, the 24 featured a low‑wing, all‑metal airframe with retractable landing gear and a spacious, pressurized cabin that could accommodate up to eight passengers. Powered by two Lycoming TIO‑540‑A engines delivering 300 hp each, it offered cruise speeds near 300 kt and a range of roughly 1,500 nm, making it competitive with the Beechcraft King Air series while retaining the Model 18’s rugged simplicity. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the Twin Ray served airlines, air‑taxi operators, and military customers worldwide, earning a reputation for dependable performance in diverse climates and short‑field operations. Its blend of twin‑engine safety, relatively low operating costs, and ease of maintenance contributed to Beechcraft’s expansion into the twin‑prop market and set the stage for later successes such as the King Air line, cementing the Model 24’s place in aviation history. Today, dozens of Twin Rays remain active in private fleets and flight schools, valued for their straightforward systems and the classic Beechcraft handling characteristics that continue to influence modern twin‑engine designs.