Beechcraft: aircraft manufacturer

Beechcraft is a manufacturer of business jets as well as light aviation. This aircraft manufacturer is also known for its excellent planes in the military field.

Today, this American manufacturer is renowned for its production of Beechcraft King Air aircraft, but also the Beechcraft 1900.

AEROAFFAIRES brings you the history of this aircraft manufacturer, one of the pioneers of business aviation to this day.

Beechcraft today:
Some figures:
Today, the Beechcraft manufacturer belongs to the aerospace industry giant: Textron Aviation.

The company has 15,000 employees worldwide. We do not have information regarding the number of employees within the Beechcraft entity.

And Textron Aviation’s revenue in Europe amounted to 22.6 million euros in 2021.
A committed manufacturer:
Committed, through actions implemented by Textron Aviation, Beechcraft is trying to respond to the new challenges in the sector related to the environment.

To this end, Beechcraft commits to reducing its carbon emissions by 50% by 2050.

The company also communicates about:
– its use of “green” fuel
– its objective to reduce its energy consumption by 10% by 2025.
– its “Eco-friendly” aircraft interiors
The origins of Beechcraft
1924: The story of this manufacturer begins with Clyde Cessna and Walter Beech. They are two partners with a common goal of producing aircraft. However, there are already disagreements about the type of aircraft to establish. When one (Cessna) wishes to create monoplanes, the other (Walter Beech) aims to create biplanes.

1927: The two partners separate and each go their own way. The Cessna Aircraft Corporation is created by Clyde Cessna.

1932: Walter Beech and Olive Ann Beech, his wife and business partner, found their own brand: the Beech Aircraft Corporation, more commonly called Beechcraft.

The launch of the company
It is therefore in 1932 that the company begins its activities with different types of aircraft. Based in Kansas, exactly in Wichita, this young company ensures the production of planes for the military and also for other aircraft ranges.

One of the first objectives set by the Beech couple is to build a jet with advanced flight technologies, seating 5, and being as luxurious as the interior of a sedan.

It is in the same year that the company takes off and launches a new aircraft. This is the private jet Model 17 Staggerwing. The latter takes off in November 1932 and becomes, from its first flight, the biplane jet, the fastest aircraft on the market. Its maximum speed reaches 323 km/h – phenomenal speeds for the time. These jets sold by the hundreds to both civilians and American military operations. Their first achievement is a resounding success.

The company is then very focused on customer satisfaction and the technologies it offers. Walter Beech and his wife aimed to create the best airplane in the world. This is still the guiding principle and philosophy that Beechcraft follows to this day.

After an impressive number of 781 units created, production of the Model 17 ends in 1948. It then paves the way for the development of the Model 18 (Twin Beech), created in 1937.
Beechcraft airplanes diversify
The Model 18
You will have understood, Beechcraft’s specialty is not commercial airplanes, but small model planes, a business jet, far from civil aviation. Other innovations will emerge gradually. After the Model 17, the Model 18 was produced for almost 40 years until 1970.

The American company knows how to sustain and enhance the reputation of its famous airplanes. They were indeed inundated with orders during World War II. Indeed, American pilots mostly trained on these aircraft. This led the company to grow from 235 to over 2000 employees to meet all demands – an unexpected boost.

The Bonanza
In 1947, the Bonanza came into being, which will be one of the flagship airplanes of the Beechcraft manufacturer.

This revolutionary model holds the record for the longest production period in the history of private aviation. Indeed, this piston aircraft was manufactured for nearly 60 years.

This 6-seater, flying at a cruise speed of 300 km/h, is still operational today. It guarantees you top-notch performance and technological quality for a smooth takeoff and landing.

These planes are the first of a long list that Beechcraft will gradually manufacture. Below you will see all the business planes that Beechcraft has produced.
A change of direction
It is in 1950 that a turnaround occurs in the company’s history. Indeed, the CEO of that time, Walter Beech, suddenly passes away. His wife, Olive Ann Beech, then directly takes over management and becomes President of the company for 30 years. She was one of the few women CEOs in the United States.

The group does not cease its activities; quite the opposite, it grows during these years. The company counts no less than 10 production plants and 17 subsidiaries. During her presidency, Beechcraft sales tripled.

However, in February 1980, it was time for the president to take her bow and leave the governance of Beechcraft to Raytheon Company, which acquired her company.
Merger with Hawker and changes in ownership
In August 1993, Raytheon also acquires the manufacturer Hawker.

The following year, the two entities Hawker and Beechcraft will merge into one called Raytheon Aircraft. For eight years, the names of both companies disappear, but in 2002, a reversal occurs and the two brands resurface.

Then, in 2007, another change of ownership occurs. Raytheon packs up and abandons the airspace and all aerospace activity. American and Canadian investment funds team up to purchase the latter and rename the company: Hawker Beechcraft.

A few years later, in 2011, it was a severe blow for the company that goes bankrupt. The company was then sold to Textron in 2013. The latter already owns Bell, a helicopter manufacturer, but also Beechcraft’s oldest competitor: Cessna. They thus become partners and currently hold around 70,000 business jets in circulation worldwide.

The considerable advantage this company has is that they operate small business jet models, while many European and American aircraft manufacturers (like Dassault and Gulfstream) produce much larger business jets, with a longer range.

The three main ranges of Beechcraft aircraft today
The Baron G58
This small very light private jet is a piston twin-engine. It can accommodate 6 people at a flight speed of 325 km/h.

It is ideal for short trips to be made in one day, for example. It is an economical model of business aviation.

Combining practicality, know-how, and efficiency, it is the business jet to choose for small leisure or professional trips, and all in safety!
The King Air range
In the fleet produced by Beechcraft, the King Air family includes several models such as the King Air 200 or the King Air 350.

These are turboprop aircraft accommodating up to 8 passengers, ideal for short-haul flights.

These are essential models of the manufacturer that have proven their durability and robustness. They check many boxes, including cabin comfort, but also contemporary design. All of this with a touch of cutting-edge avionics technology.
The Beech 1900D
The Beech 1900D, an evolution of the 1900C, far from being a propeller aircraft, is a slightly larger airplane than what this manufacturer originally offers.

Indeed, this turboprop private jet stands out from other types of aircraft. It can accommodate up to 19 passengers.

Its use is therefore ideal for group flights, but it can also be used for air freight.

Finally, with its customizable cabin, the aircraft can also serve for medical evacuations (EVASAN). Indeed, it can accommodate 6 stretchers with all necessary medical equipment.

Rent a Beechcraft with AEROAFFAIRES
Despite years of acquisitions and changes in ownership rhythm their activities, Beechcraft has never lost its splendor or even its reputation.

Now is not the time for it to lower its landing gear. It has one of the richest legacies in the private aviation sector compared to other competitors. Its actions even extend beyond business aviation. Indeed, some models are used by airlines in their mission for medical repatriations, as well as in the military sector. This company meets multiple and varied requests and offers you tailor-made business jets.

If you are looking for a small private Beechcraft jet, at AEROAFFAIRES we have the potential to select the aircraft you desire. So, fill out the online quote or contact us at +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82.