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single-slotted trailing edge flaps that were operated electrically. The ailerons were of corrugated aluminum alloy, but only the left aileron was equipped with a trim and balance tab. The electrically-operated tricycle landing gear was essentially identical to that of the E55 Baron except that the wheelbase was increased slightly to improve grand handling characteristics.2
As for performance, the Model 58 had a maximum cruise speed of 200 knots (230 mph or 370 km/h) at an altitude of 7,000 feet and a 75 percent power setting. Speed decreased to 162 knots at 12,000 feet with power set to 45 percent. Twin engine rate of climb was 1,695 feet per minute at sea level, or 382 feet per minute with one engine inoperative at sea level at a maximum gross weight of 5,400 pounds.
The only Model 58 built for the 1969 model year was serial number TH-1, but the factory in Wichita, Kansas, built 98 Model 58 Barons for the 1970 model year (serial numbers TH-2–TH-94, TH-96–TH-98 and TH-101–TH-102).3 A standard-equipped Model 58 sold for $89,850. Among the more salient upgrades made during the first model year of production were new Slick magnetos for the IO-520-C engines, improved cabin door seals, optional three-blade propellers; propeller deicing capability, and optional fuel tanks holding 166 gallons (136 standard).
The Model 58 proved to be popular as an owner-flown, lightweight twin-engine Beechcraft. For the 1971 model year, 75 airplanes were built, followed in 1972 with 89 units and another 121 were built in 1973. By that time the price had climbed to $108,850 for a standard-equipped airplane. The 1979 Baron 58 featured Continental IO- 520-CB engines, still rated at 285 horsepower each, that incorporated a new crankshaft (change effective with serial number TH-973). The next year a new exterior paint design was applied and the cabin interior was restyled. In addition, an electrically-heated windshield was available for the first time.
The 1984 Model 58 featured a number of major upgrades including a redesigned interior and exterior paint scheme, a new instrument panel and instrumentation, and installation of a dual control system that finally eliminated the throw-over control column that had been in use since the early production Model 17 biplane. Another important upgrade was installation of Continental IO- 550C engines, each rated at 300 horsepower. As of 1984, Beech Aircraft had produced more than 1,400 examples of the Baron 58, but only 41 airplanes were built that model year. The price for a standard-equipped Model 58, however, had escalated to $315,000. By 1986, more than 1,500 examples of the Baron 58 had been built and market demand remained strong.
SEPTEMBER 2017 KING AIR MAGAZINE • 21