Working Together – Building Our Future

1958-1963, Beech adds four new airplanes to product line.

As the world markets for executive air travel increased, new products were added to the growing line of Beech aircraft: The Model 95 Travel Air, in 1956; the new Model 65 Queen Air, in 1958; the single-engine Debonair, in 1959, and the Model 23 Musketeer in 1961.

1961, Beech introduces the Baron B55.

In 1961, Beech introduced the Baron B55, the forerunner of today’s Baron 58, one of the most popular owner-flown twin-engine aircraft available. The Beechcraft Baron, with a 236-mph top speed, became a top seller almost immediately upon the introduction into the light twin market. The Baron filled a spot in the Beech line between the Twin-Bonanza and the Travel Air. High performance, flying ease, comfortable furnishings and reputation for high quality construction made the Baron highly popular with flying business travelers.

Beechcraft Baron 55

1962, Introduction of Raytheon Aircraft
Services.

In 1962, President Olive Ann Beech, in a progressive move to ensure quality service, acquired J. D. Reed Company of Houston, which became Raytheon Aircraft Services. RAS is a network of 14 fixed based operations that provides maintenance and service throughout the U.S and in Chester, United Kingdom, and Toluca, Mexico. Raytheon Aircraft Services, based in Wichita, Kan., offers new and used aircraft sales, special mission capability, an extensive network of fixed-based operations, worldwide parts distribution, and charter and management services.

1964, First flight of the Model 90 Beechcraft turboprop King Air.

In 1964, Beech introduced the Model 90 Beech King Air to fill the gap that existed between piston-engine aircraft and business jets. It quickly established itself as the industry standard in corporate turboprops. The King Air’s pressurized, turbine-powered seven-to-nine-place corporate transport was Beechcraft’s first entry into the turbine-powered airplane field. Customer acceptance far exceeded expectations even before the airplane’s FAA Certification in May 1964.

Model 90 King Air

1968, Beechcraft 99 Airliner introduced.

In 1968, Beech entered into an expanding commuter airline market with the Beechcraft 99 Airliner. It shares the King Air’s basic layout, with a new design and significantly lengthened cabin with a greater seating capacity. The Beechcraft 99 Airliner was designed and manufactured specifically for use with third level commuter airlines. During the next eight years of production, 164 of the 99 Airliner series were placed in service with 62 domestic and six foreign air carriers, business organizations and foreign military services.

Beechcraft 99 Airliner

1969, Final delivery of Beechcraft Model 18.

The final Model 18 was delivered Nov. 26,1969 more than 32 years after its initial flight on Jan. 15, 1937, to C. Itoh & Co. of Japan, ending the longest continuous production of any airplane in aviation history.

Super G18S

1977, 10,000th V-Tail Beechcraft Bonanza delivered.

On Feb. 18, 1977, Beech celebrated the delivery of the 10,000th Beech Bonanza. The Bonanzas retained their popularity throughout the years because of their speed, high quality and reliability.

Employees gathered for an informal ceremony as the 10,000th Model 35 Bonanza rolled off the final assembly line at Plant 2.

1980, Beech Aircraft Corporation becomes a subsidiary of Raytheon Company.

In Feb. 1980, Beech Aircraft and Raytheon Company, a diversified electronics and technology-based company headquartered in Lexington, Mass., announced completion of a merger that had previously been approved by the firms’ stockholders. Beech Aircraft became Raytheon Company’s largest subsidiary and the only aircraft manufacturer in the Raytheon family.

1981, Olive Ann Beech accepts aviation’s highest honor.

In 1981, Olive Ann Beech was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame (Walter H. Beech, was so honored in 1977). With Mrs. Beech’s induction, they became the second husband-and-wife team to receive the honor.

1985, Raytheon Aircraft adds Beechjet to product line.

In 1985, Raytheon Aircraft acquired marketing rights to the Mitsubishi Diamond aircraft, renaming it the Beechjet 400A. The Beechjet 400A is a fast, comfortable entry-level business jet with the handling characteristics and sophisticated systems typical of larger, heavier transport aircraft. Further improvements in fuel capacity, cabin comfort, avionics and airframe systems were incorporated into the new aircraft, making it one of the most popular light business jets of all time.

The Beechcraft is a 535-mph transport that was certified in May, 1985.

1986, First flight of Model 2000 Starship.

Beech Aircraft’s revolutionary Starship business aircraft first flew Feb. 15, 1986. More than 5,000 onlookers watched as Beech pilot Bud Francis and flight test engineer Thomas Carr guided Starship 1 through the flight program. Built primarily of graphite-epoxy and Nomex fibers, the Starship was one of the most thoroughly tested aircraft in general aviation history.

Model 2000 Starship