Beechcraft Model 33 Debonair/Bonanza

The Beechcraft Model 33, originally introduced as the Bonanza and later marketed as the Debonair, entered production in 1947 and became one of the longest‑running single‑engine aircraft designs in history. Developed by Beech Aircraft Corporation in Wichita, Kansas, the Model 33 featured a low‑wing, all‑metal airframe and a conventional tricycle landing gear that set a new standard for civil general‑aviation speed and comfort. Powered by a Continental O-470 engine delivering 225 hp, the aircraft could cruise above 165 knots while carrying four passengers and a moderate baggage load. Its spacious cabin, generous windows, and forgiving handling made it popular with flight schools, corporate operators, and private owners alike. The Debonair designation, applied from 1959 through the early 1960s, denoted a simplified, lower‑priced version that retained the Bonanza’s aerodynamic efficiency but omitted some luxury appointments. Over six decades, more than 25,000 units were built, cementing the Model 33’s reputation for reliability, low operating cost, and timeless design. Its continued production and numerous upgrades underscore the aircraft’s lasting impact on general aviation, influencing modern light‑plane development and serving as a benchmark for performance‑oriented trainers worldwide.

Beechcraft

Beechcraft Model 33 Debonair/Bonanza

Classification

Design & Classification