 Beech Baron B55 | STANDARD DATA: (B55) Seats 6. Gross wt. 5,100. Empty wt. 3,256. Fuel capacity 100-136. Engines two 260-hp Continentals. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 231. Cruise mph 216. Stall mph 84. Initial climb rate 1,693. Ceiling 19,300. Range 918. Takeoff distance (50') 2,154. Landing distance (50') 2,148. STANDARD DATA: (E55) Seats 4-6. Gross wt. 5,300. Empty wt. 3,236. Fuel capacity 100-136. Engines two 260-hp Continentals. STANDARD DATA: (56TC) Seats 4-6. Gross wt. 5,990. Empty wt. 3,700. Fuel capacity 142-204. Engines two 380-hp turbocharged Lycomings. STANDARD DATA: (58P) Seats 4-6. Gross wt. 6,100. Empty wt. 4,018. Fuel capacity 160-190. Engines two 325-hp turbocharged Continentals. |
 Beech Baron 58 | |
 Beech Jaguar Baron | |
| STANDARD DATA: (58TC) Seats 4-6. Gross wt. 6,200. Empty wt. 3,793. Fuel capacity 160-190. Engines two 325-hp turbocharged Continentals. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 300. Cruise mph 277. Stall mph 90. Initial climb rate 1,475. Ceiling 25,000+. Range 1,160. Takeoff distance (50') 2,643. Landing distance (50') 2,427. STANDARD DATA: (58 -- 1996 to present) Seats 4-6. Gross wt. 5,500. Empty wt. 3,890. Fuel capacity194. Engines two 300-hp Continental IO-550-C. |
The Beech Baron is a beautiful-to-fly airplane, outstanding even among other "royalty" in the Beechcraft line. The first Barons appeared in 1961 with 260-hp Continentals and a list price of only $58,000. The original 55 Baron became the A55 model and is still in production with the same engines as the B55. In 1966, the C55 was introduced with the 285-hp power-plants, and in the following year, the turbocharged 56TC entered production with its formidable 380-hp Lycomings. The C55 became the D55 and finally the E55, Beechcraft's high-performance, high-payload Baron. The Baron 58 became a part of the lineup in 1970, replacing the 56TC, and used the 285-hp Continental engine. In addition to these popular twins, Beechcraft has added two new versions, the 58P for over-the weather pressurized comfort and the Baron 58TC for high-altitude performance. Both these additions use the same 310-hp turbocharged Continental engines, enabling them to have a service ceiling of 25,000 feet and above. All Baron 58s have accommodations for four to six passengers with optional club seating where the rear two pairs face each other. An increase in structural capacity allows the 58TC to carry 350 pounds more than the Baron 58.
In 1977, a new three-blade propeller was standard on the 58P. Two inches shorter, it improved maximum speed and increased the climb rate by more than 100 fpm. That year, club seating in all models, simplified fuel management, and increased optional fuel capacities were added. More than 4,700 Barons have been delivered. Optional equipment on the 58E55 and B55 are heavy-duty brakes that offer up to 50% greater stopping power.
In 1979, the pressurized Baron's performance was enhanced by an increase in horsepower from 310 to 325 with the Continental TSIO-52OWB six-cylinder engines. Providing a higher degree of performance, the turbocharged, fuel-injected engine is exclusively a Beech powerplant shared only by the 58TC. With the additional horsepower, the Baron 58P has a top speed approaching 300 mph. Maximum cruise speed for the 58TC was increased to 277 mph. Pressurization differential in the 58P was increased from 3.7 psi to 3.9 psi, providing a sea-level cabin up to 8,350 feet. At 25,000 feet, the Baron's service ceiling, the cabin is a comfortable 11,900 feet. The latest improvements to the Baron line include 50-amp alternators as standard equipment, with 60-amp and 100-amp alternators for those aircraft fitted with abundant options. Redesigned sidewall panels and a one-piece headliner provide more headroom and elbowroom while reducing cabin noise levels.
The following year, 1980, Beech Aircraft Corporation is sold to the Raytheon Company, which continues making the Bonanza and Baron piston models. Raytheon ended production of the Model 55 Baron in 1982, and in 1984 the Model 58 Baron received a power upgrade to its current 300-hp configuration. In 2000, Raytheon joined with the Ford-owned Jaguar automobile company to offer the Jaguar Special Edition model of the Baron. A limited number of the six-seat twin sported British racing green paint scheme and a luxury interior.
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