Page 21 - Volume 11 Number 9

The major news, however, for salesmen, owners instrument panel that was located farther forward than
and operators of the Model 55 Baron series was the announcement that the Model 58 Baron would be available for delivery in 1970. According to Beech Aircraft Corporation historian William H. McDaniel, “This new version of general aviation’s fastest light twin featured a lengthened fuselage offering ample, airline comfort seating for six people, or corresponding optional loads of cargo or passengers. Double rear doors almost four feet wide facilitated loading of passengers or bulky cargo. Designed to meet the specific need of many business users, the Baron 58 was clearly a model with a very substantial sales potential.” 1
In the late summer of 1968, Beech Vice President of Marketing Roy H. McGregor, Vice President Jack L. Marinelli, aircraft research and development, and long-time Beechcrafter James N. Lew, vice president of engineering, had ordered design studies that centered on stretching the fuselage and cabin of the Model 55, adding more windows (similar to those installed in the Model A36 Bonanza) and lengthening the nose section 10 inches to more easily accommodate that loading and unloading of baggage.
To set the Model 58 apart from its smaller sibling, increasing interior volume was of major importance. To achieve that goal, the new Beechcraft featured an
that of the Model E55. The right-side cabin door and the two front seats also were moved forward. These three major modifications were achieved without having to relocate the wing itself and the main wing spar, which would have entailed major retooling and higher production costs.
Having received the green light from the front office to proceed with the design, construction of the first pre- production prototype was underway early in 1969 and was completed four months later. First flight occurred on June 23 of that year, followed in November by first flight of a production airplane. On November 19, 1969, the FAA approved the Model 58 under an amended Type Certificate (TC) 3A16 – the same TC issued for the Model 55 series, as well as the Model 56TC and A56TC.
To power the Model 58, engineers chose the reliable Continental IO-520-C rated at 285 horsepower. The six-cylinder, fuel-injected powerplant was similar the IO-520-C engines that equipped the Model 95-C55. The Baron’s engines turned McCauley two-blade propellers that featured constant-speed and full-feathering capabilities (three-blade propellers were available as an option). The Model 58 also featured redesigned cowlings and propeller shafts that were extended forward to improve cylinder cooling.
SEPTEMBER 2017 KING AIR MAGAZINE • 19