Beech 70 Queen Air
Piston • twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear
Range Visualization
Origin: · click map to move · nm at current load
Payload vs. Range
Customize assumptions
Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)
Default: 30 lbs
Mission Profile
- High-Performance
- Complex
- High-Altitude
- Multi-Engine
About the Beech 70 Queen Air
Overview
The Beechcraft 70 Queen Air is a unique “hybrid” variant within the Queen Air family, introduced in 1968. It effectively mates the fuselage of the A65 with the longer, high-lift wings of the B80 series. This configuration was designed to offer the best of both worlds: the increased lifting capability and stable handling of the larger wing, but with the slightly lower fuel burn and operating costs associated with the 340 hp Lycoming engines found on the 65 series.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- Enhanced Payload. The long-wing design provides superior climb performance and a higher Gross Weight (8,200 lbs) compared to the standard “Straight 65.”
- True Cabin Class Experience. Features the hallmark Beechcraft airstair door and a wide, square-oval cabin that allows for a centre aisle, features that defined the subsequent King Air line.
- Modern Aesthetics. Standard with the swept tail design, giving it a more modern ramp presence than the earlier straight-tail models.
Trade-offs
- Engine Management. Uses the geared and supercharged Lycoming IGSO-480 engines. These require disciplined pilot technique; rapid throttle movements can lead to gearbox damage, and maintenance is significantly more complex than on naturally aspirated flat-six engines.
- Fuel Sensitivity. While more efficient than the 380 hp B80, it still consumes roughly 34-36 GPH at cruise.
- Rarity. With only about 35 to 42 units produced, specific airframe parts unique to the 70 configuration may be harder to source compared to the more common 65 or 80 variants.
See Also
- Beechcraft Queen Air 65 – “Straight 65” predecessor; the line foundation. Compare
- Beechcraft B80 Queen Air – larger sibling sharing the long-wing design and 380 hp engines. Compare
- Beechcraft 50 Twin Bonanza – structural ancestor of the Queen Air line. Compare
- Beechcraft King Air 90 – direct turboprop development from the Queen Air airframe. Compare
- Cessna 414 Chancellor – pressurised cabin-twin competitor; lighter, lower payload, similar mission. Compare
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 50.25 ft
- Length
- 35.5 ft
- Height
- 14.25 ft
- Parking area (ft2)
- 2440.13 ft2
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 8,200 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 8,200 lbs
- Useful Load
- 2,400 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 214 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 186 KTAS
- Never-Exceed (Vne)
- 207 KIAS
- Max Structural Cruise (Vno)
- 188 KIAS
- Approach Speed
- 82 KIAS
- Stall, Clean (Vs1)
- 72 KIAS
- Range
- 755 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 30,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 235 - 1375 fpm
- Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle
- 1,800 ft
- Landing ground roll
- 2,200 ft
Similar to the Beech 70 Queen Air
Beech 65 Queen Air
Beech BE-80 Queen Air
Aero Commander 680FL
Cessna Chancellor 414
See how the Beech 70 Queen Air stacks up against similar aircraft