Bonanza A35

The Beechcraft Bonanza A35, introduced in 1947, quickly became one of the most enduring general‑aviation aircraft in history. Developed from the wartime Staggerwing, the A35 featured a low‑wing, all‑metal airframe and a twin‑spar wing with dihedral that delivered both stability and agility. Powered by a 150‑horsepower Continental O‑470 engine, it offered a cruising speed of roughly 170 kt and a range exceeding 800 nautical miles, making it attractive to private owners, flight schools, and corporate users alike.

Key design elements include a spacious six‑seat cabin, a fully retractable under‑carriage, and a center‑line fuel tank system that contributed to balanced handling. The A35’s controllable‑pitch propeller and straightforward maintenance schedule set new standards for reliability in the post‑war market. Over the decades, more than 22,000 Bonanzas of various models have been produced, a testament to the aircraft’s adaptability; the line evolved into the high‑performance “V-tail” Bonanza and later the conventional‑tail variants, yet the A35’s basic geometry and philosophy remained unchanged.

Its significance lies in democratizing fast, comfortable cross‑country travel for civilians, influencing design trends in light aircraft, and establishing Beechcraft as a premier name in aviation that persists to this day.