Baron D55

The Beechcraft Baron D55 entered the market in the early 1960s as the company’s first twin‑engine light aircraft, building on the success of the single‑engine Bonanza. First flown in 1961 and certified the following year, the D55 quickly earned a reputation for reliability, performance, and refined cabin comfort, setting a new benchmark for personal and business aviation. Powered by two Lycoming O‑320 or O‑360 engines delivering 150–180 horsepower each, the Baron D55 achieved cruise speeds of approximately 200 kt (370 km/h) and a range of 800–950 nm, providing a compelling combination of speed and economy for cross‑country flights. Its all‑metal low‑wing design incorporated a spacious six‑seat cabin, retractable landing gear, and a stacked‑instrument panel that introduced a level of sophistication previously reserved for larger aircraft. The D55’s sturdy airframe and symmetrical handling characteristics made it a favored trainer for multi‑engine certification and a popular choice among corporate operators. Over its production run, more than 1,500 units were built, and the aircraft’s design philosophy influenced subsequent Beechcraft twins, cementing the Baron’s legacy as a pivotal bridge between piston‑powered trainers and modern turboprop business transports.