Beech 60 Duke • wp.archivoaereo.com

The Beech 60 Duke is a light multi-purpose aircraft, developed by the American aerospace company Beech Aircraft Corporation. Development of the aircraft began in the mid-1960s. Initially, the aircraft was intended exclusively for business aviation, although this model gained much greater popularity in civil aviation, particularly operating on local airlines and as a means for feeder air transportation.

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Development and Launch

The first flight of the Beechcraft 60 Duke took place on December 29, 1966. Thirteen months later, this aircraft entered mass production. The current model perfectly filled the niche between model lines such as the Beechcraft Baron and Beechcraft Queen Air; however, due to a number of design features, the aircraft’s technical maintenance was quite costly.

Features and Performance

As a powerplant, Beechcraft 60 Duke aircraft use turbocharged Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 piston aircraft engines, each with a power output of 380 hp. This allows the aircraft to accelerate to a maximum speed of 460 km/h and effortlessly cover distances over 2270 km, including at high altitudes, thanks to its pressurized cabin.

The aircraft was designed to transport 5 passengers, noting the absence of cramped conditions in the cabin. This made it suitable for both civil passenger transport and the needs of business aviation.

Model Evolution and Challenges

In 1970, the basic design of the aircraft was modified, resulting in the release of the Beechcraft A60 Duke model. This version received a more efficient turbocharging system for the engines, an improved cabin layout, and new, modern light-signaling equipment. Despite the previously identified costly maintenance features, the problem was not resolved, which prevented a significant demand for these aircraft from emerging.

In 1974, aviation engineers from Beech Aircraft Corporation introduced another modified version of this aircraft – the Beechcraft B60 Duke. Thanks to the use of a new powerplant, with unchanged power, the aircraft’s flight and technical characteristics significantly improved. However, the number of aircraft built was quite moderate, and nine years after the start of production, manufacturing ceased due to a lack of actual demand among customers. Of the 596 Beechcraft 60 Duke aircraft built between 1968 and 1983, only 363 units are currently in operation.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Model В60
Wingspan, m	11.96
Length, m	10.31
Height, m	3.76
Wing area, m2	19.80
Empty weight	1860
Maximum takeoff weight	3050
Engine type	2 Piston engine Lycoming TIO-541-E1A4
Power, kW	2 x 380
Maximum speed, km/h	460
Cruising speed, km/h	395
Economical speed, km/h	345
Practical range, km	1890
Maximum rate of climb, m/min	488
Practical ceiling, m	9144
Crew	1 crew
Payload	4-6 passengers