With the announcement of the Piper PA-181 Arrow III/LX/TX by a separate, parallel development team than the one working on the A320/21neo, general aviation fans can rejoice, because (A) we’re getting a new GA airplane, and (B) we are 2/3rds of the way through the Big 3 of U.S. general aviation manufacturers: Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft. Of these 3, only Beechcraft is missing, and the addition of one of their aircraft in the future could give us both a twin-piston design and round out the Big 3 nicely. Enter the Baron 55. The second in a line of true Twin Bonanzas (sorry Model 50, my beloved), building off of the Model 95 Travel Air’s success, the Model 55 Baron was produced in some form or another from 1961 until 1983, being supplemented and replaced by the Model 58, which itself provided the basis for the abortive Beechcraft 38P Lightning (SOCATA TBM before the TBM)and the relatively unique B36TC Bonanza (basically a single-engine Baron 58TC). The smaller 55 has seen extensive use from private, commercial, and military operators, and remains a common sight at airports across the world. These airplanes have helped Beechcraft products establish a reputation for being powerful, reliable, and comfortable, like a W140 Mercedes with wings.
Specifications courtesy of the American Bonanz Society (Regular font for B55, the most-produced model and italicized for E55, the swiftest of the 55 Baron family without any engine or speed mods. Aircraft pictured above is N63JL, a 1971 E55.)
Wingspan, B55: 37 feet 10 inches
Wingspan, E55: 37 feet, 10 inches
Length, B55: 28 feet (Some have the longer nose giving an identical length to the E55)
Length, E55: 29 feet
Maximum Takeoff Weight, B55: 5,100 pounds
Maximum Takeoff Weight, E55: 5, 300 pounds
Useful Load, B55: 2,205 pounds (varies by year and individual aircraft)
Useful Load, E55: 2,033 pounds (varies by year and individual aircraft)
Maximum Cruise Speed, B55: 196 kts (225 mph)
Maximum Cruise Speed, E55: 200 kts (230 mph, but will go for hours and hours at 190 kts)
Maximum Range w/ 45-Minute Reserve, B55: 1,225 miles
Maximum Range w/ 45-Minute Reserve, E55: 1,135 miles (that extra speed comes with a cost)
Fuel Capacity (Standard), B55: 142 gallons
Fuel Capacity (Standard), E55: 142 gallons