The Duke was purchased by corporate and private pilot owners. The supplemental type certificate was issued on. The modification does have some disadvantages as it increases fuel burn from 56 to 66 gal/h (210 to 250 L/h) and lowers the certified ceiling from 30,000 to 28,000 ft (9,100 to 8,500 m). The maximum rate of climb is increased from 1,600 to 4,000 ft/min (500 to 1,200 m/min), reducing the time to climb to 25,000 ft (7,600 m) from 25 to 9 minutes. The take-off length required is shortened by over 1,500 ft (460 m) to only 1,000 ft (300 m) and the landing distance is reduced by over 2,000 ft (610 m) to only 900 ft (270 m). Called the Royal Turbine Duke conversion, the modification increases fuel capacity by 28 US gal (110 L) and the maximum useful load by 400 lb (180 kg). Some Dukes have been modified by Rocket Engineering of Spokane, Washington, replacing the Lycoming reciprocating engines with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-21 or -35 turbine engines. Owners compare the Beechcraft B60 to classic sports cars-noting that they do not fly Dukes to economize. Normally, pilots figure 45 gallons per hour (170 L/h), plus another 40 US gal (150 L) for each takeoff and climb as typical fuel consumption for cross-country planning. Other systems, parts, and FAA-certified technicians are increasingly difficult to locate. The aircraft design uses turbocharged Lycoming TIO541-B4 engines that develop 380 horsepower (280 kilowatts) each. Electro-mechanical systems, which were highly advanced when the aircraft was introduced, were superseded in other aircraft with simpler I/C controlled mechanical parts. Most of the Duke B-60s still flying have retained their original equipment. The Beechcraft 60 was, despite its very good performance, only a moderate seller, principally because the complicated technology demanded a high expenditure on maintenance. The interior arrangement was renewed and the engine efficiency again increased by improved turbochargers. The last variant, the B60, was introduced in 1974. The Beechcraft A60, which came onto the market in 1970, represented an advancement over the Baron, with an improved pressurized cabin utilizing advanced bonded honeycomb construction, lighter and more efficient turbochargers, and improved elevators. The passenger cabin is fitted with club seating and entry is by means of a port-side airstair entry door in the rear fuselage. Distribution to customers began in July 1968. On February 1, 1968, the FAA issued the type certificate. On December 29, 1966, the prototype made its first flight. The development of the Beechcraft 60 began in early 1965, and it was designed to fill the gap between the Beechcraft Baron and the Beechcraft Queen Air. The two piston engines are turbocharged and the turbochargers also pressurize the cabin with bleed air. The aircraft has retractable tricycle landing gear and a pressurized cabin. The Beechcraft 60 Duke is an American-built twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft designed and produced by Beechcraft. Three-quarter rear view of a Beechcraft 60 Duke showing the highly swept fin.
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