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| STANDARD DATA: (Sierra) Seats 6. Gross wt. 2,750. Empty wt. 1,701. Fuel capacity 57. Engine 200-hp fuel-injected Lycoming. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 163. Cruise mph 158. Stall mph 69. Initial climb rate 927. Ceiling 15,385. Range 744. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,561. Landing distance (50′) 1,462. STANDARD DATA: (Super III) Seats 4. Gross wt.2,450. Empty wt. 1,365. Fuel capacity 60. Engine 200-hp Lycoming. |
The classiest of the Musketeers in 1966 was the Super III with 200 hp, six seats optional, a constant speed prop, and non-retractable landing gear. In 1970, a retractable version was added to the Musketeer line, the Super R. Both models were continued through the next year, when the fixed-gear model was dropped. As part of the Aero Center line, the 200-hp retractable version became known as the Sundowner. The name changes and the “cleaning up” of the Musketeer line was all part of a major corporate redirection by Beech management to devote more attention to the small airplanes. Beech Aero Centers were set up around the country, franchised just to sell the Sport, Sundowner and Sierra. More recent Sierras benefit from increased useful fuel, an optional autopilot, a larger diameter pro-01-Single- peller, and wheel well fairings. The result is increased range, a greater rate of climb, and a higher cruise speed and service ceiling.
