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| Model 95 Travel Air | |
|---|---|
 1959 Model 95 atAirVenture 2008, Oshkosh, Wisconsin | |
| General information | |
| Type | Light twin aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft |
| Status | In service |
| Number built | 720 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1958–1968 |
| Introduction date | 1958 |
| First flight | August 6, 1956[1] |
| Developed from | Beechcraft Bonanza |
| Variant | Beechcraft Baron |
TheBeechcraft Travel Air is a twin-engine development of theBeechcraft Bonanza. It was designed to fill the gap between the single engineModel 35 Bonanza and the much largerModel 50 Twin Bonanza, and ultimately served as the basis for its replacement, theBaron.[2]
Designed as a competitor to theCessna 310 and thePiper Apache, the Travel Air (developed as the Badger)[3] took many design features from previous Beechcraft airplanes.[4] It took its basic design from theModel 35 Bonanza,[5] fitted with the vertical stabilizer from theT-34 Mentor, and two four-cylinder engines. Its wing spar was borrowed from the largeModel 50 Twin Bonanza, along with thicker gauge aluminum on the leading edge; landing gear systems had been taken from theUnited States Navy Mentor, which was a stronger structure built for training pilots for later aircraft carrier landings. Power came from, in the 1958 model year, twoLycoming O-360-A1A at 180 horsepower (130 kW) at 2700rpm each. With 75% power, the Travel Air was capable of 200 mph (170 kn; 320 km/h) at 7,500ft.[6]
Although developed and initially marketed as theBadger, a 1956 letter from theUnited States Air Force notified Beechcraft that the name had been previously chosen as a reporting name for theSovietTupolev Tu-16 bomber; therefore, Beechcraft elected to reuse the Travel Air name, which came from the predecessor company to Beechcraft, theTravel Air Manufacturing Company.[7] Beechcraft set in initial pricing of the Travel Air at$49,500; $10,450 below Cessna's 310 price, yet still $13,510 higher than Piper's Apache pricing.[7]
During its ten-year model run, between 1958 and 1968, the Travel Air saw four distinct variants emerge. All use theICAO aircraft type designatorBE95.[8]
The initial model was built for the 1958 and 1959 model years; the 1959 model had a fifth 'jumpseat' added. A total production of the 95 for 1958 and 1959 were 173 and 128, respectively.[2][9]
Changes in the B95 version included a 19-inch (480 mm) cabin stretch to increase rear cabin area and the horizontal stabilizer and elevators were enlarged for better pitch control. A curved vertical stabilizer dorsal fairing is the most noticeable change. It also included a fifth seat, wider chord flaps, and an increased gross weight of 100 lb (45 kg). The 1961 Model B95A featured fuel injectedLycoming IO-360-B1A engines. A total of 150 B95s were built in 1960, and 81 B95As were built between 1961 and 1962 (serial numbers TD-453 through TD-533).[10] The 1960 model was priced at $51,500 and the 1961–62 model was priced at $49,500.[11]
In 1963 the Travel Air featured a larger rear window that is common with the Model A55/B55 Barons. The nose cone was lengthened for improved baggage space. Interior features such as the instrument panel and heaters were redesigned. There were a total of 174 D95s built between 1963 and 1967.[2][12]
The E95 featured a one piece, 'speed-slope' windshield and a more pointed spinner design. The interior design was fully re-done. A total of 14 Model E95s were built in 1968; with pricing of $53,500.[13] The production drop off was due to the more costly but faster and powerful Model 55 Baron (developed from the Model 95, and initially designated Model 95-55).[2]
Data from Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66[14][15]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
