Queen Air 65

The Beechcraft Queen Air 65, introduced in 1965, was the most powerful version of the popular Twin Bonanza‑derived Queen Air family. Developed by Beech Aircraft Corporation in Wichita, Kansas, the Model 65 was designed to meet the growing demand for a rugged, twin‑engine utility aircraft capable of both passenger transport and cargo operations. Powered by two 340‑horsepower Continental IO-470‑G powerplants, the Queen Air 65 delivered a maximum cruise speed of 210 knots and a useful load exceeding 2,500 pounds, allowing it to operate from short, unimproved airstrips while carrying up to eight passengers or substantial freight. Its all‑metal, low‑wing construction featured a spacious cabin with large windows, and a reinforced landing gear that could absorb the stresses of rough‑field landings. Equipped with conventional control systems, optional de‑icing, and a range of avionics packages, the aircraft proved adaptable for corporate travel, air‑ambulance service, and military liaison duties. Over the course of its production run, more than 600 Queen Air 65s were delivered worldwide, cementing the model’s reputation for reliability and versatility. The aircraft’s blend of performance, payload, and operating economy helped shape the twin‑engine utility market and laid the groundwork for Beechcraft’s later King Air series.

Beechcraft

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