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The '''Beechcraft Baron''' is a [[Light aircraft|light]] twin-engined [[Reciprocating engine|piston]] aircraft designed and produced by [[Beechcraft]]. The aircraft was introduced in 1961. A [[low-wing monoplane]] developed from the [[Beechcraft Travel Air|Travel Air]], it remains in production.

==Design and development==
[[File:Baron 55 cockpit.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a 1964 Baron 55 with a mixture of original equipment and modern avionics]]

The direct predecessor of the Baron was the [[Beechcraft Travel Air|Beechcraft 95 Travel Air]], which incorporated the fuselage of the Bonanza and the tail control surfaces of the [[T-34 Mentor]] military trainer. To create the new airplane, the Travel Air's tail was replaced with that of the [[Beechcraft Bonanza#Model 33 Debonair/Bonanza|Beechcraft Debonair]],  the engine [[nacelle]]s were [[Streamliner|streamlined]], six-cylinder engines were added, and the aircraft's name was changed.  In 1960, the [[Piper PA-23|Piper Aztec]] was introduced, using two 250&nbsp;hp [[Lycoming O-540]] engines; Cessna too had improved its [[Cessna 310|310]] with two [[Continental O-470|Continental IO-470 D]], producing 260&nbsp;hp. Meanwhile, Beechcraft's [[Beechcraft Bonanza|Bonanza]] had been improved with a [[Continental O-470|Continental IO-470-N]]. But the answer to competition was to make a true twin-engined variant of the Bonanza. The first model, the 55, was powered by two six-cylinder [[Continental O-470|IO-470-L]] engines producing 260&nbsp;hp at 2,625rpm each; it was introduced in 1961. The first Baron included the fully-swept vertical stabilizer of the Debonair while still retaining the four to four+five place seating of the Travel Air.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}

==Variants==
Barons come in three basic types: the Baron 55 (short body), Baron 56 (short body) and Baron 58 (long body), with several sub-variants each.

===Baron 55===
[[File:Two Beechcraft 55.jpg|thumb|Two Baron 55s flying in formation with a 1980-built B55 (short nose) nearest. E55 (lengthened nose) in background.]]
[[File:1966 Baron C55.jpg|thumb|A 1962 Baron C55 in the factory paint scheme{{efn|Built in 1962 as part of the A55 production it became the prototype C55<ref name=SNList/>}}]]
[[File:Beech.baron.arp.jpg|thumb|Beechcraft Model E55 Baron]]

The early '''Baron 55''', '''A55''' and '''B55''' were fitted with {{convert|260|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Continental O-470|Continental IO-470]] engines and had gross weights of 4880 to 5100&nbsp;lb (2,200 to 2,300&nbsp;kg). These had a typical cruise speed of 190 [[Knot (unit)|knot]]s (350&nbsp;km/h) at 7000&nbsp;ft (2100 m), and came with 116 or 136 [[US gallon]] (440 or 515 L) fuel tanks.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Schlaeger |first=Gerald J. |date=March 1961 |title=Pilot Report: Beechcraft Model 55 Baron |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FTLrc_poJXIC&pg=PA40|journal=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] |location=New York, New York |publisher=Ziff-Davis |access-date=October 15, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Collins |first=Richard L. |date=July 1973 |title=Basic Baron |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mQJobgs2AU4C&pg=PA62|journal=Flying |location=New York, New York |publisher=Ziff-Davis |access-date=October 15, 2014 }}</ref> Although its performance was eclipsed by the later variants, the B55 continued to be offered as the basic economy model until the end of the Baron 55 model run, and it would ultimately capture about half of total 55-series sales.<ref name=muscle>{{cite web|url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/1996/september/pilot/used-airplane-report|title=Used Airplane Report: Muscle Beech|last=Bedell|first=Peter A.|website=aopa.org|publisher=[[Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association]]|date=September 5, 1995|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>

The '''C55''', '''D55''' and '''E55''' models used {{convert|285|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Continental O-520|Continental IO-520]] engines, increasing cruise speed to {{convert|200|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}}. Gross weight increased to {{convert|5300|lb|kg|abbr=on}} and the forward [[fuselage]] was lengthened by {{convert|12|in|cm|abbr=on}} to increase baggage space in the nose.<ref name=muscle/> 136, 142, or 166 US gallon (515 or 628 L) fuel tanks were offered.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}

The Baron 55 was sold with four seats in two rows as standard equipment; a third-row fifth seat was optional initially, and a sixth seat became optional on the A55. However, the lack of a rear passenger door or a second-row pass-through hampers access to the third-row seats, and adults often find the rear fuselage taper confining. Additionally, the aircraft tend to exceed the aft [[Center of gravity of an aircraft|center of gravity (CG) limit]] with all six seats occupied and no baggage in the nose compartment to act as counterbalance. Owners often remove the third-row seats and use the rear fuselage as additional baggage space.<ref name=muscle/><ref name=aopa_baron/>

Model 55 Barons were produced from 1961 to 1983, with 3,651 manufactured.<ref name="SNList">{{cite web |date=March 25, 2025 |title=Beechcraft Serialization – 1945 thru 2024 |url=https://ww2.txtav.com/TechnicalPublications/Downloads/DownloadNonTechFile?Filename=serializationList.pdf |url-access=registration |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website= |publisher=[[Textron Aviation]]}}</ref> All use the [[ICAO aircraft type designator]] ''BE55''.<ref name=ICAOcode>{{cite web |url= http://cfapp.icao.int/Doc8643/reports/Part2-By%20Type%20Designator(Decode).pdf |title= Aircraft type designators |publisher= International Civil Aviation Organization |access-date= March 25, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171031013535/http://cfapp.icao.int/Doc8643/reports/Part2-By%20Type%20Designator(Decode).pdf |archive-date= October 31, 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref>

;Model 95-55 Baron: Baron prototype. Registration N9695R (c/n ''TC-1'')
;95-55:Introduced 1961. Four to five seat, twin engined transport, powered by two 260-hp [[Continental O-470|Continental IO-470-l]] six cylinder piston engines. 190 units built.<ref name=SNList/><ref name=Simpson/> Priced at $58,250.<ref>Ball 1994, p.54.</ref> 
;95-A55:Built 1962 through 1963. Four to five seats. Improvements were a new instrument panel, interior, and exterior paint scheme. Priced at $58,950.<ref>Ball 1994, p.60.</ref> 309 built.<ref name=SNList/><ref name=Simpson/>
;95-B55:Introduced in 1964, run through 1982. Four to six-seats. New exterior scheme and interior design. A {{convert|120|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} increase in gross weight to {{convert|5100|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Priced at $59,950 (1964), $177,500 (1982).<ref>Ball 1994, p.72.</ref> 1951 built.{{efn|Textron and Simpson disagree on the number of B55 aircraft built; Textron states 1951<ref name=SNList/> while Simpson states 1958.<ref name=Simpson/> Textron has been treated as authoritative because all individual serial numbers are accounted for.}}
;95-C55:Built 1966 through 1967. Four to six seats. Powered by two, 285-hp [[Continental O-520|Continental IO-520-C]] piston engines. Increased performance over the B55. Nose lengthened to accommodate more baggage or equipment, and to improve weight and balance. Crack-prone engine air intake box design changed. Alternators changed from belt driven to gear driven. Priced at $68,350 in 1966.<ref>Ball 1994, p.165.</ref> 451 aircraft built.<ref name=SNList/><ref name=Simpson/>
;D55:Built 1968 through 1969. Four to six seats. Introduced new paint scheme and 'speed-slope' windshield. Changed to three blade props and a different flap configuration. Priced at $73,950 in 1968.<ref>Ball 1994, p.176.</ref> 316 aircraft built.<ref name=SNList/><ref name=Simpson/> 
;E55:Introduced in 1970, run through 1982. Four to six seats. Incorporated new paint scheme and interior design. Improved avionics and panel. Wing-tip lights and rotating beacon made flush; new entrance step. Also added were 172 [[US gallon]] (166 usable) interconnected tanks with one fill cap per wing became an option in 1976. 433 built. Priced at $83,950 in 1970, $219,500 in 1982. 434 aircraft built.<ref name=SNList/><ref name=Simpson/>
;C-55: [[Brazilian Air Force]] designation of the Model 95-C55.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

===Baron 56TC===
[[File:Beechcraft Baron 56TC.jpg|thumb|An early Baron 56TC seen in-flight.]]
In 1967, Beechcraft had begun development of a faster, pressurized twin, the [[Beechcraft Duke|Model 60 Duke]]; the Duke was to go head-to-head with Cessna's [[Cessna 310|320 Skyknight]]. The Duke was to use two turbocharged 380-hp [[Lycoming TIO-541|Lycoming TIO-541-E1A4]] engines, therefore, Beech wanted experience working with, and flying the new engine. The engine was fitted to a modified Baron C55, becoming the 56TC (that prototype, ''TG-1'', was later retired after certification). The results of the 56TC were as planned, it proved a good testbed and experience building model for the Duke's development. However, it was a noticeably loud airplane, especially so for a Beechcraft. Along with its increased noise, the 56TC had an increase in structural strength and thus empty weight to compensate for the higher power. When introduced in 1967, it was the fastest Beech aircraft, rivaling even the early King Airs sold at the time. 94 Baron 56TC aircraft were built between 1967 and 1971{{efn|name=56TC|Textron and Simpson disagree on the breakdown of 56TC and A56TC aircraft, but agree on the series total. Textron states 82 56TC and 11 A56TC but does not include prototype ''TG-1'' in the totals.<ref name=SNList/> Simpson states 82 56TC including ''TG-1'', and 12 A56TC.<ref name=Simpson/> Textron has been treated as authoritative because all individual serial numbers are accounted for, although the model designation of ''TG-1'' is not made clear.}} and all use the ICAO type designator ''BE56''.<ref name=ICAOcode/>

;56TC: First flown on 25 May 1966.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pelletier |first1=A.J. |title=Beech Aircraft and Their Predecessors |date=1995 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=1-55750-062-2 |page=126}}</ref> Introduced in 1967, built until the 1969 model year. Four to six seats. Power came from two 380-hp (283-kW) [[Lycoming TIO-541|Lycoming TIO-540-E1B4]] turbocharged piston engines. Priced at $89,950 in 1967.<ref>Ball 1994, p.364.</ref> 82 aircraft sold.{{efn|name=56TC}} Prototype ''TG-1'' retained by the factory.<ref name=Simpson/>

;A56TC: Introduced 1970, built until 1971. Only model change throughout the 56 production. Featured new exterior paint scheme and interior design, new instrument panel, smooth rotating beacon and navigation lights, nose wheel light. Priced at $101,750 in 1970.<ref>Ball 1994, p.383.</ref> 11 sold.{{efn|name=56TC}}

===Baron 58===
[[File:Beechcraft Baron 58TC.jpg|thumb|The turbocharged 58TC variant.]]
[[File:Baron-g-bnun-bma-2.jpg|thumb|1980 Baron 58PA of [[BMI (airline)|BMI]]]]

Introduced for the model year 1969,<ref name="Ball 1994, p.246">Ball 1994, p.246.</ref> the larger, more powerful '''Baron 58''' was developed from the Baron 55, with an increased gross weight of 5,400&nbsp;lbs. Depending on the variant, the Baron 58 is fitted with either Continental IO-520 or [[Continental IO-550|IO-550]] 300-hp engine.  The Baron 58 can cruise at 200 knots (370&nbsp;km/h) at 7000&nbsp;ft (2100 m). The most significant change was a fuselage stretch of {{convert|10|in|cm}} and the introduction of double rear fuselage doors and reversible club seats in the center row, eliminating the need for passengers to climb over the center seats or through the rear baggage door to access the rear seats. The entire fuselage was repositioned forward on the wing to address the aft CG issue that plagued the short-body models. The longer 58 fuselage has four side windows while the 55 and 56 fuselages have three.<ref name=G58>{{cite web|url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2010/december/pilot/hawker-beechcraft-baron-g58-the-baron-turns-50|title=Hawker Beechcraft Baron G58: The Baron Turns 50|last=Bedell|first=Peter A.|website=aopa.org|publisher=[[Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association]]|date=December 5, 2010|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> The larger fuselage and improved rear-cabin access have made the 58 far more popular with commercial [[air charter]] and cargo operators than the smaller 55 and 56.<ref name=aopa_baron>{{cite web|url=https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/aircraft-fact-sheets/beechcraft-baron |title=Beechcraft Baron|website=aopa.org|date=March 10, 2013|publisher=[[Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association]]|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref>

ICAO type designator of all versions{{clarify|reason=just b58 or all baron models?|date=May 2024}} is ''BE58''.<ref name=ICAOcode/>

In 1976, the turbocharged '''Baron 58TC''' and [[Cabin pressurization|pressurized]] '''Baron 58P''' were introduced. These variants were powered by turbocharged [[Continental O-520|Continental TIO-520s]] of 310–325&nbsp;hp (230–240&nbsp;kW), had an increased 6100–6200&nbsp;lb (about 2800&nbsp;kg) gross weight, and were certified under FAR23 with a new type certificate. The Baron 58P/58TC models were capable of cruising at 200 knots (370&nbsp;km/h) at 8000&nbsp;ft (2400 m) and 220 knots (410&nbsp;km/h) at 20000&nbsp;ft (6100 m), and were typically equipped with 190 US gallon (719 L) fuel tanks.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}

In 1984, the instrument panel was redesigned to eliminate the large central control column and engine controls mounted high on the instrument panel to clear it. In pre-1984 aircraft with the optional dual [[control yoke]]s, the arm to the right-hand yoke partially blocks the radios and some cockpit switchgear. The redesign provides a more industry-standard control arrangement and increases instrument panel space, but the aircraft lost the option of having a single yoke, which enhanced comfort for a passenger or relief pilot in the right-hand seat.<ref name=G58/>

Although the turbocharged 58TC/58P variants were discontinued in 1984 and 1985, respectively, the normally aspirated Baron 58 was still in production as of 2021. The current production version is the '''G58''', featuring a [[glass cockpit]], improved passenger cabin and changes to selected airframe details.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/baron-g58|title=Baron G58|work=[[Beechcraft]]|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref>

;58 Baron: Original variant, first flown on 23 June 1969, introduced in 1969 and run through 2004 (production continued as G58). Four to six seats. Powered by two 285-hp Continental IO-520-C or Continental IO-550-C piston engines.<ref name="Ball 1994, p.246"/> 2,124 aircraft built.<ref name=SNList/><ref>{{cite book |last1=Pelletier |first1=A.J. |title=Beech Aircraft and Their Predecessors |date=1995 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=1-55750-062-2 |page=153}}</ref>
;58P Baron: Introduced 1976, run through 1985. Pressurized cabin, powered by two Continental TSIO-520-L turbocharged piston engines. Priced at $200,750 in 1976.<ref>Ball 1994, p.444, 449.</ref> 495 produced.<ref name=SNList/>
;58TC Baron: Introduced in 1976, run through 1984. Turbocharged engines, powered by 310&nbsp;hp Continental TSIO-520-L engines. First flew  October 31, 1975. Priced at $170,750 in 1976.<ref>Ball 1994, p.395.</ref> 151 aircraft sold.<ref name=SNList/>
;G58 Baron: Introduced in 2005, currently in production. Version of 58 Baron with [[Garmin G1000]] glass cockpit avionics.<ref>''G58 Pilots Operating Handbook'', p. 2-17</ref>
;G58 Baron ISR: Introduced in 2013, Beechcraft developed a low cost [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|ISTAR aircraft]] for [[Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action|Fuerzas Unidas de Rapida Acción (FURA)]], an agency within the Puerto Rico Police Department. In 2014, the aircraft was upgraded with a [[FLIR]] 230-HD electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera system, operator's console that housed the mapping/mission management computer, a recorder, a multi-band communications radio system and data link for special mission operators.<ref>[[Beechcraft]] (July 14, 2014), [http://newsroom.beechcraft.com/news/beechcraft-launches-baron-g58-isr-demonstrator-tour/ Beechcraft launches Baron G58 ISR demonstrator tour] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402140432/http://newsroom.beechcraft.com/news/beechcraft-launches-baron-g58-isr-demonstrator-tour/|date=April 2, 2015}}, retrieved January 26, 2015</ref>

===T-42A Cochise (95-B55B)===
[[File:T-42 Cochise.jpg|thumb|T-42 Cochise]]

The T-42A Cochise is a military version of the Baron 95-B55 for use by the [[United States Army]] as an instrument training aircraft. 65 aircraft were purchased for the Army Aviation School in 1965–1966; a further five were bought [[commercial off-the-shelf]] by the U.S. in 1971 from civil B55 production, assigned U.S. military serial numbers, and sold to the [[Turkish Army]].<ref name=jb-65>{{cite web |url=https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1965.html |title=1965 USAF Serial Numbers |last=Baugher |first=Joe |date=February 9, 2023 |website=joebaugher.com |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref><ref name=jb-66>{{cite web |url=https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1966.html |title=1966 USAF Serial Numbers |last=Baugher |first=Joe |date=July 18, 2023 |website=joebaugher.com |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Harding p17-8">Harding 1990, pp. 17–18.</ref><ref name=jb-71>{{cite web |url=https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1971.html |title=1971 USAF Serial Numbers |last=Baugher |first=Joe |date=August 5, 2023 |website=joebaugher.com |access-date=December 4, 2024}}</ref> 

Three Army T-42s were transferred to the [[United States Navy]].<ref name=jb-oos>{{cite web |url=http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries24.html |title=US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series Exceptions |last=Baugher |first=Joe |date=July 19, 2023 |website=joebaugher.com |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref> By 1993, the Army's remaining T-42 aircraft had been transferred to the [[United States Army Reserve|Army Reserve]] and the [[United States National Guard|National Guard]] and were no longer in standard use.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}} With the exception of three aircraft destroyed in accidents, three donated to technical schools for instructional use, and one at the [[United States Army Aviation Museum]], all U.S. military T-42s were eventually transferred to civil owners as [[military surplus]].<ref name=jb-65/><ref name=jb-66/> In March 2023, the Army Aviation Museum T-42A, [[United States military aircraft serial numbers|serial number]] ''65-12697'', was in storage and not on public display.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.armyaviationmuseum.org/our-collection/ |title=Our Collection |website=www.armyaviationmuseum.org |publisher=United States Army Aviation Museum |date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref>

===SFERMA SF-60A Marquis===
[[File:Beech 60A d'Air Lorient 1978.jpg|thumb|SFERMA 60A Marquis]]
A twin {{convert|530|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Astazou X turboprop modification of the Baron first flown in 1961 developed from SFERMA's 1960 Astazou IIA turboprop conversion of a Model 95 Travel Air ('''SFERMA PD-146 Marquis''').<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Watkins|first=Peter|magazine=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]|title=Pilot Report: SFERMA's Marquis New Light Twin Turboprop|date=August 1961|volume=69|issue=2|pages=40–41, 76, 78|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UVJTRxhEEo4C&pg=PA40}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=June 17, 1960|title=France's Aircraft Industry|journal=Flight|pages=846|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1960/1960%20-%200838.PDF|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012847/https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1960/1960%20-%200838.PDF|archive-date=January 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=June 1, 1961|title=Salon Extraordinaire|journal=Flight|pages=730|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1961/1961%20-%200730.PDF|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012936/https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1961/1961%20-%200730.PDF|archive-date=January 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> At least ten converted to follow on from eight converted Travel Airs.<ref>Chillon, Dubois & Wegg 1980, pp. 144–145</ref>

==Operators==
=== Government operators ===
; {{ARG}}
* [[Agrupación Aérea Presidencial|Presidential Flight]] – One Baron 55 temporarily transferred during 1989 from the ''Junta Nacional de Carnes''.<ref name="GA">{{cite web|url=http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-102/?p=3763|title=The short story of Argentina's military Beechcraft Barons|first=Carlos|last=Ay|work=gacetaeronautica.com|access-date=July 15, 2018|date=June 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711084248/http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-102/?p=3763|archive-date=July 11, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Military operators===
; {{ARG}}
* [[Argentine Army]] – One Baron 55 and one 58. Retired in 1983.<ref name="EA">{{cite web|url=http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-102/?p=3763|title=The short story of Argentina's military Beechcraft Barons|access-date=January 8, 2016|date=January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112807/http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-102/?p=3763|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{BOL}}
* [[Bolivian Air Force]] – One,<ref name="fiwaf18 p40">Hoyle ''Flight International'' December 4–10, 2018, p. 40.</ref> crashed 2 May 2020<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bolivia-crash-idUSKBN22F00R|title=Bolivian light plane crash kills six, including four Spanish citizens|newspaper=Reuters|date=May 3, 2020|via=www.reuters.com|access-date = 3 May 2020}}</ref>
; {{DOM}}
* [[Dominican Republic Air Force]] – 1 in inventory in 2023<ref name=WAF_2024/>
; {{HAI}}
*[[Haitian Air Corps|Haiti Air Corps]]<ref name="fiwaf79 p357">Wheeler ''Flight International'' August 4, 1979, p. 357.</ref>
; {{IDN}}
[[File:Newly Arrived Beechcraft Baron G58 of Indonesian Navy.jpg|thumb|G58 Baron of the Indonesian Naval Aviation]]
* [[Indonesian Navy]] – 2 G58 Baron in 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tni.mil.id/view-89067-peresmian-pesawat-latih-tni-al-baron-g-58-di-puspenerbal-surabaya.html|title=Peresmian Pesawat Latih TNI AL Baron G-58 di Puspenerbal Surabaya|date=28 December 2015|access-date=18 February 2021|language=id}}</ref>
; {{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf79 p366">Wheeler ''Flight International'' August 4, 1979, p. 366.</ref>
* [[Mexican Naval Aviation]] – 2 in inventory in 2023<ref name=WAF_2024/>
; {{PAN}}
* [[National Aeronaval Service]] – 1 in inventory in 2023<ref name=WAF_2024/>
; {{PAR}}
* [[Paraguayan Air Force]] – 2 in inventory in 2023<ref name=WAF_2024/>
; {{PER}}
* [[Peruvian Air Force]] – 1 in inventory in 2023<ref name=WAF_2024/>
; {{flag|Rhodesia}}
* [[Rhodesian Air Force]] – One aircraft only.<ref name="fiwaf79 p386">Wheeler ''Flight International'' August 4, 1979, p. 386.</ref>
; {{ESP}}
* [[Spanish Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf79 p378-9">Wheeler ''Flight International'' August 4, 1979, pp. 378–379.</ref>
; {{TUR}}
* [[Turkish Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf79 p382">Wheeler ''Flight International'' August 4, 1979, p. 382.</ref>
* [[Turkish Army]] – 5 in inventory in 2023<ref name=WAF_2024>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |website=flightglobal.com |publisher=FlightGlobal |date=2023 |access-date=December 4, 2024}}</ref>
; {{USA}}
* [[United States Army]]<ref name="Harding p17-8"/>
* [[United States Air Force]] – 1 in inventory in 2023<ref name=WAF_2024/>
; {{URY}}
* [[Uruguayan Air Force]] – 2 in inventory in 2023<ref name=WAF_2024/>

==Accidents and incidents==
The Beechcraft Baron has been involved in the following notable accidents and incidents.
*On 9 March 1967, a Baron B55, [[aircraft registration]] number ''N6127V'', [[Mid-air collision|collided in mid-air]] near [[Urbana, Ohio]], with [[TWA Flight 553]], a [[Douglas DC-9-15]] on approach to [[Dayton Municipal Airport]]. The collision and ensuing crashes destroyed both aircraft, killing all 21 passengers and 4 crew aboard the DC-9 and the pilot of the Baron, who was the sole aircraft occupant. The Baron pilot was flying under [[visual flight rules]] (VFR) and was not in contact with [[air traffic control]] (ATC); the two pilots in the DC-9 were warned by ATC of VFR traffic in the area, but the pilots' conversation on the [[cockpit voice recorder]] never clearly indicated that they saw the Baron. The [[National Transportation Safety Board]] (NTSB) attributed the accident to the failure of the TWA crew to "see and avoid" the Baron under VFR, but recommended that ATC procedures be improved to ensure separation between fast-moving airliners flying under [[instrument flight rules]] and slower-moving VFR flights in terminal areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://libraryonline.erau.edu/online-full-text/ntsb/aircraft-accident-reports/AAR68-AI.pdf|title=Aircraft Accident Report. Trans World Airlines Inc., Douglas DC-9, Tann Company Beechcraft Baron B-55 In-flight Collision Near Urbana, Ohio, March 9, 1967|last=|first=|date=19 June 1968|website=|publisher=National Transportation Safety Board|access-date=13 January 2024|archive-date=4 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604200458/http://libraryonline.erau.edu/online-full-text/ntsb/aircraft-accident-reports/AAR68-AI.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
*On 20 July 1973, [[land art]]ist [[Robert Smithson]], a photographer, and the pilot died in the crash of a Baron E55, ''N814T'', while inspecting the site of Smithson's earthwork ''Amarillo Ramp'' on the ranch of [[Stanley Marsh 3]] near [[Amarillo, Texas]]. The NTSB attributed the accident to the pilot's failure to maintain [[airspeed]], with distraction being a contributing factor.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=Robert Smithson, 35, A Sculptor, Is Dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/24/archives/robert-smithson-35-a-sculptor-is-dead.html?smid=url-share |work=[[The New York Times]] |location=New York City |date=24 July 1973 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.visitamarillo.com/listing/amarillo-ramp/1928/ |title=Amarillo Ramp |website=visitamarillo.com |access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=85872&key=0 |title=FTW74AF004 |publisher=[[National Transportation Safety Board]] |access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref>
*On 3 August 1976, [[Jerry Litton]], [[U.S. Representative]] from [[Missouri]], his wife and two children, and two others died when their Baron 58, registration number ''N1553W'', crashed shortly after takeoff from [[Chillicothe Municipal Airport]] in [[Chillicothe, Missouri]], on the same day that Litton had won the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] primary for the [[1976 United States Senate election in Missouri]]. The NTSB attributed the accident to an engine failure caused by breakage of the [[crankshaft]]; the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and raise the [[landing gear]] were contributing factors.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=Litton and family buried in Missouri |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/07/archives/litton-and-family-buried-in-missouri.html?smid=url-share |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[The New York Times]] |location=New York City |date=7 August 1976 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=55173&key=0 |title=MKC76AK072 |publisher=[[National Transportation Safety Board]] |access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref>
*On 5 January 1977, in the [[Connellan air disaster]], fired [[Connellan Airways]] pilot Colin Richard Forman deliberately crashed a stolen Baron 58, registration ''VH-ENA'', into the Connellan Airways complex at [[Alice Springs Airport]], killing himself, his former manager and three other Connellan employees, and injuring four others.
*On 23 November 1982, [[Southern Baptist]] religious humorist, television personality and author [[Grady Nutt]] and two [[air charter]] pilots died in the near-vertical crash of a Baron 95-B55, registration number ''N18411'', shortly after takeoff from [[Folsom Field (Alabama)|Folsom Field]] in [[Cullman, Alabama]] under nighttime [[instrument meteorological conditions]]. The NTSB was unable to conclusively determine the cause of the crash, but bad weather and poor visibility were thought to be contributing factors.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=Grady Nutt, TV Humorist Dies With Two Others in Plane Crash |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/11/25/obituaries/grady-nutt-tv-humorist-dies-with-2-others-in-plane-crash.html?smid=url-share |agency=[[Reuters]] |work=[[The New York Times]] |location=New York City |date=25 November 1982 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/ReportGeneratorFile.ashx?EventID=20020917X04307&AKey=1&RType=Final&IType=FA |title=NTSB Aviation Accident Final Report ATL83FA046 |publisher=[[National Transportation Safety Board]] |access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref>
*On 15 June 1987, during the [[Nicaraguan Revolution|Nicaraguan Civil War]], a [[Contras|Contra]]-operated Baron 56TC (reg. N666PF, msn. TG-60) which had been deregistered from the US two years prior,{{Cn|date=October 2024}} was hit by anti-aircraft fire over Nicaragua’s [[Nueva Segovia Department]], in [[Sandinista National Liberation Front|Sandinista]] government territory. The Baron had been modified to carry [[Rocket (weapon)|rockets]] for use in an [[air-to-ground]] light [[Attack aircraft|strike role]], and was downed after an attack that reportedly included [[Airborne leaflet propaganda|dropping leaflets]] and, possibly, reconnaissance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Branigin |first=William |date=1987-06-25 |title=CONTRAS SAID TO BREAK UP SANDINISTA SPY NETWORK |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/06/25/contras-said-to-break-up-sandinista-spy-network/0ea367d3-5a7e-462c-a337-3c7fdad2e20a/ |access-date=2023-08-22 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>Tyroler, Deborah. (June 19, 1987). Contra Aircraft Downed By Sandinistas; Nicaraguan Government Identifies Three-man Crew. [[University of New Mexico]] Digital Repository; Latin America Digital Beat News and Educational Services; NotiCen [LADB Article Id:  076537 /ISSN:  1089-1560]. Retrieved on August 17, 2023 from: https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1709&context=noticen</ref><ref name="skywar.ru">Skywar.ru. (n.d.). Contras. Skywar.ru. Retrieved on August 17, 2023 from:  http://www.skywar.ru/contras.html</ref> The aircraft crashed 6&nbsp;km. inside [[Honduras]], in an area known as ''Cerro El Tigre'' and its three occupants, all former elements of the US-backed [[Somoza family|Somoza dictatorship]], were injured and captured after the crash landing and were treated in Honduras.<ref>Tyroler, 1987</ref> The pilot, Juan Gomez, a former colonel in Somoza's [[National Guard (Nicaragua)|National Guard]] was also reported to be the head of the Contra air force.<ref name="Tyroler, 19 June 1987">Tyroler, 19 June 1987</ref> While a Western journalist reported that the plane was brought down by [[anti-aircraft artillery]],<ref name="Tyroler, 19 June 1987"/> a [[Russia]]n source credits the Baron’s downing to an "[[Strela-2]]" (SA-7) [[MANPADS|man portable surface-to-air missile]] fired from [[Murra, Nueva Segovia|Murra]] by [[Sandinista Popular Army|Sandinista army]] soldier Jose Manuel Rodriguez.<ref name="skywar.ru"/><ref>Skywar.ru. (n.d.). Sandinista. Skywar.ru. http://www.skywar.ru/sandinista.html</ref> The Sandinistas denounced that the Baron took off from the ''Aguacate'' airbase in [[Honduras]], the main base of the [[Nicaraguan Democratic Force]] (NDF), a Contra group supported by the [[CIA]].<ref>Branigin, 25 June 1987</ref> A Contra NDF spokesman in [[Miami]] confirmed that the aircraft was operated by them, but claimed that "it was neither armed nor carried ammunition."<ref name="Tyroler, 19 June 1987"/>
*On 14 February 2000, [[Champ Car]] racing team owner and 11-time [[Indianapolis 500]] driver [[Tony Bettenhausen Jr.]], his wife and two others were killed when the Baron 58 piloted by Bettenhausen, registration number ''N875JC'', crashed in [[Cynthiana, Kentucky]]. The aircraft had flown into known [[icing conditions]] and was properly equipped and certified to do so, but the NTSB found that Bettenhausen had allowed airspeed to decay below the certified {{convert|130|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} minimum in icing conditions, causing the aircraft to rapidly lose altitude.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Richard |title=Tony Lee Bettenhausen, 48, Part of Auto Racing Family |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/15/sports/tony-lee-bettenhausen-48-part-of-auto-racing-family.html?smid=url-share |work=[[The New York Times]] |location=New York City |date=15 February 2000 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/ReportGeneratorFile.ashx?EventID=20001212X20551&AKey=1&RType=Final&IType=FA |title=NTSB Aviation Accident Final Report NYC00FA079 |publisher=[[National Transportation Safety Board]] |access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref>
*On 20 September 2012, a Baron 95-C55, registration ''N265Q'', [[ditched]] and sank in the Gulf of Mexico {{cvt|30|mi|km}} off the coast of Louisiana while en route from [[Baytown, Texas]], to Florida, after a reported instrument panel fire. Owner and pilot Theodore Robert (T.R.) Wright III and copilot Raymond Fosdick were rescued by the [[United States Coast Guard]]; the aircraft was not recovered, and the NTSB attributed the crash to a fire of undetermined origin, noting that the wreckage was not examined.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/pilot-tells-story-of-harrowing-plane-crash-3907259.php |last=Schiller |first=Dane |title=Pilot tells story of harrowing plane crash |work=[[The Houston Chronicle]] |location=Houston |date=1 October 2012 |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |title=Aviation Investigation Final Report|url= https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/100144/pdf |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |docket=CEN12LA652 |date=6 November 2013 |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> The crash garnered substantial publicity when Wright posted a video to social media showing himself and Fosdick in the water awaiting rescue. Suspicion was cast on the crash when the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives]] determined that Fosdick started a 2014 fire at [[Athens Municipal Airport]] in Texas, destroying a parked [[Cessna Citation I]] owned by a corporation controlled by Wright. Both aircraft had been insured for substantially more than their recent purchase prices, and a federal court deemed the Baron crash and the Athens fire to be part of an [[insurance fraud]] scheme organized by Wright. The two men were convicted in 2017 of conspiracy to commit arson and conspiracy to commit [[wire fraud]], and were sentenced to federal prison in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.kltv.com/2018/10/04/texas-pilot-who-crashed-plane-into-ocean-drove-lamborghini-into-water-sentenced-prison/ |title=Texas pilot who crashed plane into ocean, drove Lamborghini into water sentenced to prison |date=4 October 2018 |author=<!--not stated--> |work=[[KLTV]] |location=Tyler, Texas |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/true-crime/it-was-never-enough/ |title=The Wildest Insurance Fraud Scheme Texas Has Ever Seen |last=Vine |first=Katy |date=September 2020  |publisher=[[Texas Monthly]] |url-access=limited |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/young-entrepreneur-and-pilot-faces-decades-in-prison-for-insurance-fraud/ |title=Young Entrepreneur and Pilot Faces Decades in Prison for Insurance Fraud |last=Pope |first=Stephen |date=1 August 2017 |publisher=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref>
*On 30 March 2013, [[Eric Hertz]], [[chief executive officer]] of New Zealand telecommunications company [[2degrees]], was killed together with his wife when the Baron G58 he was piloting, ''N254F'', crashed into the sea off [[Kawhia Harbour]], New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402001227/http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/crashed-plane-owned-2degrees-boss-eric-hertz-report-ck-137916 |archivedate=2 April 2013| url= http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/crashed-plane-owned-2degrees-boss-eric-hertz-report-ck-137916 |title=2degrees: CEO Eric Hertz, wife, unlikely to have survived plane crash |newspaper=[[National Business Review]] |date= 31 March 2013 |accessdate=22 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/34679.html |title=Search for ditched aircraft off Kawhia coast now a recovery operation |publisher=[[New Zealand Police]] |date=31 March 2013 |accessdate=22 September 2013}}</ref> The [[Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand]] (CAA) concluded that for unknown reasons, the aircraft's airspeed decreased to the point that control could not be maintained, causing it to enter a [[Spin (aerodynamics)|spin]] from which Hertz did not recover. Based on the left-hand engine control settings and anomalies found in the engine itself, the CAA speculated that Hertz was dealing with an undetermined left engine problem when the [[autopilot]] applied full nose-up [[Trim tab|trim]] to maintain altitude, causing the airspeed to steadily decay, which Hertz did not notice due to a lack of [[situational awareness]].<ref>{{cite report |author=D Foley |date=22 June 2016 |title=Safety Investigation Report – CAA Occurrence Number 13/1524 - Beechcraft Baron G58 - N254F - Departure From Controlled Flight- 31 Km South-West Of Raglan - Tasman Sea - 30 March 2013 |url=https://www.aviation.govt.nz/assets/publications/fatal-accident-reports/N254F_fatal.pdf |publisher=Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand |access-date= 16 January 2024}}</ref>
*On 26 July 2018, [[Luis Gneiting]], Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of [[Paraguay]], the vice minister and the two pilots were killed when their Baron crashed shortly after takeoff from [[Juan de Ayolas Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=Cabinet minister, 3 others die in Paraguay plane crash |url=https://apnews.com/article/d923b76eef114e589a51a6bf7a64d5fb |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=26 July 2018}}</ref>
*On 24 January 2021, a Baron 95-B55, registration ''PT-LYG'', belonging to the [[Palmas Futebol e Regatas]], a Brazilian [[association football]] team, [[2021 Palmas FR plane crash|crashed on takeoff]] from [[Associação Tocantinense de Aviação Aerodrome]], a private airfield near [[Porto Nacional]], Tocantins, Brazil. The crash killed all six people on board: four members of the football team, the team's owner, and the pilot.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airwaysmag.com/newswire/beechcraft-baron-crashes-brazil/|title=Beechcraft 95-B55 Baron Crashes at Palmas–Brigadeiro, Brazil|first=Ivan|last=Serrano|date=Jan 24, 2021|accessdate=Jan 25, 2021|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124210817/https://airwaysmag.com/newswire/beechcraft-baron-crashes-brazil/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Farrugia|first=Cedric|date=2021-01-24|title=Plane crash kills Palmas FR club president and 4 players|url=https://newsbook.com.mt/en/plane-crash-kills-palmas-fr-club-president-and-4-players/|access-date=2021-01-24|website=Newsbook|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=CENIPA/> The [[Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center]] attributed the crash to improper loading; contributing factors were inadequate [[flight planning]] and poor judgment by the pilot, particularly his failure to perform a [[rejected takeoff]] when the aircraft would not climb.<ref name=CENIPA>{{cite web |url=https://sistema.cenipa.fab.mil.br/cenipa/paginas/relatorios/rf/en/PT-LYG_24_01_202-AC-Ing..pdf |title=Final Report |last= |first= |date=2023-05-30 |website= |publisher=[[Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center]] |access-date=2023-12-18}}</ref>

==Specifications (B55)==
[[File:Beechcraft T-42A Cochise 3-view line drawing.png|frameless|right|3-view line drawing of the Beechcraft T-42A Cochise]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77 <ref name="Janes 76 p214-5">Taylor 1976, pp. 214–215.</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=1
|capacity=6 passengers
|length m=
|length ft=28
|length in=0
|span m=
|span ft=37
|span in=10
|height m=
|height ft=9
|height in=7
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=199.2
|airfoil=NACA 23016.5 at root, NACA 23010.5 at tip
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=3156
|gross weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=5100
|fuel capacity={{convert|100|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} usable fuel (normal), {{convert|136|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} with optional tanks
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Continental O-470|Continental IO-470-L]]
|eng1 type=air-cooled six-cylinder [[horizontally opposed]] engines
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=260<!-- prop engines -->

|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=205
|max speed note=at sea level
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed kts=180
|cruise speed note=at {{convert|12000|ft|m|abbr=on}} (55% power)
|stall speed kts=73
|stall speed note=[[Indicated airspeed|IAS]], power off, wheels and flaps lowered
|range km=
|range miles=
|range nmi=942
|range note=at {{convert|10500|ft|m|abbr=on}}, 65% power, 45 min reserves
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=19700
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=1670
|more performance=*'''Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15m):''' {{convert|1675|ft|m|abbr=on}}
*'''Landing distance from 50 ft (15m):''' {{convert|1840|ft|m|abbr=on}}

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Beechcraft Bonanza]] 
* [[Beechcraft Travel Air]] 
* [[Bay Super V Bonanza]] 
|similar aircraft=
*[[Aero Commander 500 family]]
*[[Beechcraft Twin Bonanza]]
*[[Cessna 310]]
*[[Let L-200 Morava]] 
*[[Partenavia P.68]]
*[[Piper PA-34 Seneca]] 
*[[Piper PA-60 Aerostar]]
|lists=
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
|see also=
}}

===Bibliography===
* ''Baron G58 Pilots Operating Handbook'', Doc. No. 58-590000-67, Revision A12 May 27, 2015. Wichita: Beechcraft Corporation
* Andrade, John. ''Militair 1982''. London: Aviation Press Limited, 1982. {{ISBN|0 907898 01 7}}
* Ball, Larry A: ''From Travel Air to Baron...How Beech Created a Classic'', Ball Publications, 1994. {{ISBN|0-9641514-0-5}}
* Chillon, J., Dubois, J-P., & Wegg, J. ''French Post-War Transport Aircraft''. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1980. {{ISBN|0-85130-078-2}}. 
* Harding, Stephen. ''U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947''. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1990. {{ISBN|1-85310-102-8}}.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', December 4–10, 2018. Vol. 194, No. 5665. pp.&nbsp;32–60. {{ISSN|0015-3710}}.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77''. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1976, {{ISBN|0-354-00538-3}}.
* Wheeler, Barry C. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1979/1979%20-%202847.html "World's Air Forces 1979"]. ''[[Flight International]]'', August 4, 1979. Vol. 116, No. 3672. pp.&nbsp;333–386.

==External links==
* [http://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/baron-g58/ Official Beechcraft Baron site]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/t-42.htm GlobalSecurity.org: T-42 Cochise]
<references />