OSHKOSH, Wis. (July 22, 2019) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, 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 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 premium 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.
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About Textron Aviation Inc.
Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. The Textron Aviation brands represent unrivaled innovation, performance and leadership in the industry, and offer an unmatched value proposition rooted in the total ownership experience. Leveraging unparalleled speed-to-market, Textron Aviation provides the most versatile and comprehensive business and general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft and a complete global customer service organization. Textron Aviation has delivered more than 250,000 aircraft in over 143 countries. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s most capable global service network. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.
About Africair, Inc.
Africair is the largest Textron Aviation distributor in the world. As Textron Aviation’s exclusive Authorized Sales Representative for 46 countries in and around Africa, we distribute the entire Textron Aviation product line. Textron Aviation has manufactured more general aviation aircraft than any other company, and is recognized as the industry leader in safety, reliability, performance and innovation.
In addition to selling new and used Textron Aviation aircraft, we provide spare parts, product support, warranty administration, maintenance and technical support, and training coordination for Textron Aviation aircraft owners and operators.
