Page 10 - Volume 18 Number 3

extension. As on the Model 18, the tires partially protruded through cut-out doors when retracted, allowing some protection in the event of a gear-up landing.Like the Bonanza, the first Model 50 Twin Bonanza had only two side windows; the small third windows over the baggage compartment were added with the D50 in 1956. A large “towel bar” handle on the fuselage side aided boarding when ascending to the waist-high wingwalk.Walter Beech died in 1950, leaving the company in the capable hands of Olive Ann Beech, who had supplied the business acumen throughout their 20 years of marriage. The Twin Bonanza achieved certification in May, 1951, finding a welcome niche in the difficult market of the time. Aero Commander’s 520 didn’t receive its certification until January, 1952.Growing The Model 50The Twin Bonanza’s development continued, with a 6,000-lb gross-weight B50 in 1953; by now, the U.S. Army had accepted the airplane as a staff and utility transport, as the L-23 liaison aircraft, later redesignated the U-8. Thus, the B50 was certified for up to eight seats, along with the weight increase. The C50 followed in 1954, with the introduction of larger-displacement 275-hp GO-480-F6 engines. The definitive D50 version was approved in December 1955 with 295-hp GO-480-C2engines, higher limitation speeds for the gear and flaps, and a gross weight bump to 6,300 pounds. Octane requirement went from 80/87 to 100/130.One year later, the E50 joined the line as a 1957 model, for buyers seeking extra capability. The E50 grossed at 7,000 pounds and was powered by supercharged 340-hp GSO-480-B1B6 engines. To feed the more- powerful engines, capacity of the auxiliary fuel tanks was increased from 23 gallons to 46 gallons.To differentiate the normally-aspirated and supercharged Twin Bonanzas, the 1958 airplanes were designated the D50A and F50, with the D50A’s maximum“The Scope team rocks! You all pulled through for us with short notice at the end of the year. Thank you so much!”Ben Marcus jetAVIVA140 E. Town St, Suite 1400, Columbus, Ohio 43215(614) 221-5773 • Fax: (614) 221-2411 • email: info@scopeair.com • www.ScopeAir.com Member: National Business Aircraft Assn; National Aircraft Finance Assn. Division of Park National Bank, Newark, OH8 • TWIN & TURBINEMARCH 2014