Baron 55

The Beechcraft Model 55 Baron is a twin‑engine, light aircraft that first rolled out of the Wichita plant in 1961. Developed from the earlier single‑engine Bonanza series, the Baron was conceived to offer business and personal owners the speed and redundancy of two pistons without the cost of larger turboprops. Early production featured the 260‑hp Continental IO-470‑A engines, a low‑drag, all‑metal airframe and a spacious cabin that could accommodate four to six passengers. Over the decades the model received upgrades such as the 300‑hp IO‑520‑D powerplants, a revised flap system, and modern avionics suites, culminating in the current 58‑series with glass cockpit instrumentation. The Baron’s reputation rests on its combination of cruise speeds near 200 knots, a respectable climb rate, and the ability to operate from short, unimproved fields, making it a favorite for corporate travel, air‑taxi work, and flight‑training schools. Its long production run—spanning more than six decades—demonstrates enduring market demand and highlights the aircraft’s influence on the evolution of twin‑engine general aviation, bridging the gap between economical pistons and high‑performance turboprops. Today many Barons are fitted with GPS navigation and autopilot, keeping them competitive in fleets and maintaining their role as a versatile workhorse.