Queen Air 65
In 1960, Before the King Air came into existence, Beechcraft began production of the Queen Air 65. The Queen Air was based on Beechcraft’s Twin Bonanza, using the same wing and engines while featuring a larger fuselage. The model 65 was the first Queen Air to be produced, remaining in production from 1960 to 1966. In 1965, Beechcraft introduced the A65, which was nearly identical to the “straight 65” with the exception of the A65’s swept tail, increased fuel and increased gross weight.
The Queen Air 65 comes equipped with two Lycoming IGSO-480 engines. It has a normal cruise speed of 186 knots, a range of 630 nautical miles, a climb rate of 1300 feet per minute, and requires 1,310 feet of runway to takeoff and 1,425 to land. The A65’s only differences are an increased range of 755 nautical miles and improved takeoff and landing performance at 1,180 feet and 1,330 feet, respectively.
Queen Air 70
In 1968, Beechcraft introduced the Queen Air 70 to the market. It comes equipped with the same engines found on the Queen Air 65, but comes equipped with a longer wing. The new wing, which is also featured on the Queen Air 80, improves upon the aircraft’s lift. The Queen Air 70 is essentially the model A65 with the wing of the model 80.
The Queen Air 70, equipped with two Lycoming IGSO-480 engines, has a normal cruise speed of 186 knots, a range of 755 nautical miles, a climb rate of 1,375 feet per minute, and requires 1,269 feet of runway to takeoff and 1,244 to land.
Queen Air 80
The Queen air 80, certified in 1962, was the first Queen Air to come equipped with the modern swept tail. It also came equipped with more powerful engines than those found on the model 65 and 70. In 1964, Beechcraft introduced the Queen Air A80 with a new wing, redesigned nose, and an increased takeoff weight (from 8,000 lb to 8,500). In 1966, the B80 was introduced with an even further increased takeoff weight (from 8,500 lb to 8,800). The B80 was the longest produced Queen Air model, with production ending in 1978.
The Queen Air 80, equipped with two Lycoming IGSO-540 engines, has a normal cruise speed of 191 knots, a range of 746 nautical miles, a climb rate of 1,300 feet per minute, and requires 1,060 feet of runway to takeoff and 1,160 to land.
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