Design and Development
The Duchess was developed by Beechcraft from the single-engined Beechcraft Musketeer.
The prototype was first flown in September 1974 with the first production version flown on 24 May 1977. Deliveries to the Beech Aero Centers commenced early in 1978.
The Model 76 was designed as an economical twin-engine trainer for the Beech Aero Centers and to compete with the very similar Piper PA-44 Seminole as well as the Cessna 310.
The Model 76 incorporates engines that turn in different directions to eliminate the critical engine from single engine operation.
The Duchess wing is of honeycomb construction fastened by bonding, rather than rivets, to reduce cost and produce a smoother aerodynamic surface.
The Duchess is no longer in production but large numbers remain in use in flight schools around the world.
Read more about this topic: Beechcraft Duchess
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