GB-2

The Beechcraft GB‑2 emerged in the early 1970s as a specialized military trainer derived from the successful Model 35 Bonanza line. Developed at Beech’s Wichita facility, the GB‑2 was commissioned by the United States Army to replace aging piston‑engine trainers while offering a low‑cost, high‑performance platform for basic flight instruction and liaison duties. Its airframe retained the Bonanza’s signature all‑metal, low‑wing design but incorporated a strengthened fuselage, reinforced landing gear, and a more powerful Continental IO-520‑D engine delivering 300 hp. This power increase raised the maximum cruise speed to 210 knots and extended the service ceiling to 18,000 feet, while still maintaining the aircraft’s renowned handling characteristics. Key features included a fully canted cockpit with dual controls, a simple yet robust avionics suite featuring VHF communication, VOR navigation, and a basic flight data recorder, as well as removable fuel tanks that allowed a 2‑hour endurance for training sorties. Over 250 GB‑2s were built and served with the Army, National Guard, and several allied air forces, proving instrumental in transitioning pilots from basic trainers to more advanced jet platforms. The aircraft’s blend of reliability, cost‑effectiveness, and performance cemented its legacy as a pivotal bridge in pilot training during the Cold War era.