Queen Air B80

The Beechcraft Queen Air B80 emerged in the early 1960s as the most powerful variant of the popular Queen Air line, a twin‑engine, low‑wing utility aircraft designed for both corporate and regional operations. First flown in 1962 and certified in 1964, the B80 featured the larger 340‑hp Lycoming IGSO‑540‑A1A engines, a strengthened wing spar, and an extended cabin that could accommodate up to nine passengers or a combination of cargo and crew. Its all‑metal construction, retractable landing gear, and flat‑four propellers gave it a cruise speed near 210 kt and a range exceeding 1,200 nautical miles, making it competitive with early business jets for short‑haul missions. The B80’s versatility led to widespread use by air charter firms, government agencies, and overseas military operators, who valued its short‑field performance and robust systems. Although production ceased in 1972, the aircraft’s reliability and ease of maintenance have sustained a vibrant owner community, with many B80s still flying today. The Queen Air B80 thus represents a pivotal step in Beechcraft’s evolution, bridging the gap between classic piston twins and the company’s later turboprop King Air series, and cementing its legacy in general aviation history.