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Textron Aviation Inc., this year is marking the 50th anniversary of the first flight of its Beechcraft Baron 58 high-performance piston twin, a model that has played a significant role in the company’s continued leadership in the piston market. On June 23, 1969, pilots first flew the Baron 58 prototype, paving the way into the next five decades of innovative evolution. Since the Baron 58’s first delivery in 1970, more than 3,100 aircraft have been delivered worldwide. The current production Beechcraft Baron G58 is on display this week at Textron Aviation’s booth during the 2019 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.
“Through constant innovation and technology upgrades since its introduction in 1969, the Baron 58 is the perfect combination of versatility, superb performance and handling, offering the latest in technology and cockpit/cabin comfort,” said Chris Crow, vice-president, Piston Sales. “As the industry’s fastest light twin, the Baron 58 was a success as soon as it entered the market, and our commitment to investing in the piston product line and ensuring our customers have access to the latest technology is why this airplane continues to lead the class in performance after five decades.”
The most recent upgrade to the Baron G58 is the addition of new standard and optional equipment as part of the Garmin G1000 NXi next-generation integrated flight deck, which provides pilots with enhanced control and connectivity in the cockpit. The new equipment — including Garmin GMA 1360 audio panel, GFC 700 Autopilot with enhanced automatic flight control system (E-AFCS) and GWX 75 Doppler weather radar — further enhances the Garmin G1000 NXi’s satellite-based navigation capabilities, digital flight management tools and graphical display technologies.
The Baron G58’s unrivaled performance and flexibility in its segment has made it a versatile recreation and business aircraft, with missions that include training and charter. Two 300-horsepower Teledyne Continental IO 550-C engines power the Baron G58, which can carry four passengers more than 1,000 miles nonstop with a maximum cruise speed of 202 ktas. It can take off in less than 2,350 feet and only requires 2,500 feet to land at its maximum landing weight of 5,400 lb. (2,449 kg). It also features a cabin that provides flexible seating comfortable for two, four or six people, with the option to reconfigure and remove seats to accommodate mission needs and large baggage items.
