Beech Baron 55
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
Passengers
lbs
@ lbs / pax
0 lbs
Fuel on board
gal
+ Weight
Range
Available Range
/ nm
Mission capable —
Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.
Fuel tradeoff required —
You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind
( gal usable for nm range).
Over max gross weight —
Reduce payload by lbs
to safely operate this aircraft.
Mission Profile
188
KTAS
Cruise Speed
6
Occupants
933
nm
Max Range
1048
lbs
Wet Payload
About the Beech Baron 55
Key Features for GA Buyers
The Beechcraft Baron 55 is widely considered one of the finest light twins ever built, offering a blend of speed, payload, and handling that few competitors can match. Often called the “pilot’s airplane” due to its well-harmonized controls, the Baron 55 (specifically the B55 and E55) serves as an excellent step-up for owners moving from high-performance singles like the Bonanza.
- Performance: With cruise speeds nearing 190-200 knots, it is significantly faster than the Piper Seneca or Aztec, making it a viable cross-country machine for business or personal travel.
- Build Quality: Known for its robust construction and “big airplane” feel, the Baron commands respect on the ramp and provides a stable instrument platform.
- Payload: While earlier models had tighter margins, the E55 variant offers an impressive useful load, often capable of carrying full fuel and four adults.
Trade-offs
- Cabin Size: The fuselage is narrower than the Piper Seneca or Cessna 310, and the rear seats (rows 2 and 3) can be tight for taller passengers. It lacks the “club seating” and large cargo doors found in the longer-body Baron 58.
- Operating Costs: Maintenance on two Continental engines and the complex landing gear system is higher than fixed-gear singles or lighter twins. The engines are tightly cowled, which can lead to higher cylinder head temperatures if not managed carefully.
- Single-Engine Performance: Like most light piston twins, single-engine climb performance is marginal at max gross weight on hot days, requiring proficiency and respect for “blue line” speeds.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 37.83 ft
- Length
- 28.0 ft
- Height
- 9.6 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 5,100 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 5,100 lbs
- Useful Load
- 1,864 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 136 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 188 KTAS
- Range
- 933 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 19,300 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 1693 fpm
Similar to the Beech Baron 55
No similar aircraft found
Ready to Compare Aircraft?
See how the Beech Baron 55 stacks up against similar aircraft
