Raytheon Beechcraft Bonanza

United States of America

Four to six seat high performance light aircraft

First conceived in the late 1950s as a lower cost derivative of the Vtail Bonanza, the conventional tail Debonair and Bonanza family remains in production today. Compared with the equivalent Model 35, the first model 33 Debonair introduced a conventional three surface tail, a less powerful engine and a more austere interior fit. It first flew on September 14 1959 and was included in Beech's model range the following year. The subsequent A33 and B33 Debonairs offered a small number of changes, while the C33 introduced a third cabin window and restyled interior. The Debonair was dropped from the range in 1967, by which time the C33A had been released, an aircraft very similar in performance and trim level to the Vtail Bonanzas, and the name Bonanza was adopted for this model range as well. Development of the 33 continued with the E33 and 155kW (285hp) E33A, the aerobatic E33C, the economy G33 and the F33, available in 155kW (285hp) A and aerobatic C models. The F33A remained in production until 1996. The larger six seat Model 36 was first released in 1968, featuring a stretched cabin, 155kW (285hp) engine and greater takeoff weights. This aircraft remains in production today as the A36 (with an annual production rate of around 80 units). The turbocharged 225kW (300hp) A36TC first appeared in 1979, production switched to the current B36TC in 1981.

C33 - One 170kW (225hp) Continental fuel injected IO470K flat six driving a two blade constant speed propeller. A36 - One 225kW (300hp) Teledyne Continental IO550B engine driving a three blade constant speed McCauley propeller. B36TC - One 225kW (300hp) turbocharged Teledyne Continental TIO520UB engine.

C33 - Max speed 312km/h (168kt), max cruising speed 298km/h (161kt), long range cruising speed 248km/h (134kt). Initial rate of climb 930ft/min. Range with standard fuel and no reserves 957km (515nm), with optional tanks 1818km (980nm). A36 - Max speed 340km/h (184kt), max cruising speed 326km/h (176kt). Initial rate of climb 1208ft/min. Range with 45 minute reserves 1694km (914nm). B36TC - Max speed 394km/h (213kt), high speed cruise 370km/h (200kt). Initial rate of climb 1053ft/min. Range with 45 minute reserves 2022km (1092nm).

C33 - Empty 807kg (1780lb), max takeoff 1383kg (3050lb). A36 - Empty 1040kg (2295lb), max takeoff 1665kg (3650lb). B36TC - Empty 1104kg (2433lb), max takeoff 1746kg (3850lb).

C33 - Wing span 10.00m (32ft 10in), length 7.77m (25ft 6in), height 2.51m (8ft 3in). Wing area 16.5m2 (177.6sq ft). A36 - Wing span 8.38m (27ft 6in), length 8.13m (26ft 8in), height 2.62m (8ft 7in). Wing area 16.8m2 (181sq ft). B36TC - Same as for A36.

All Model 33s seat four with some models having an optional fifth seat, all Model 36s seat six.

3352 Model 33s built through to 1996. 3760 normally aspirated Model 36s built with production continuing. Over 600 turbocharged models built.

Raytheon Beechcraft Bonanza