General Aviation

Beech A36

Manufacturer: BEECH

The Beechcraft Bonanza is an American single‑engine, low‑wing general‑aviation aircraft introduced in 1947. It is best known for its distinctive V‑tail and its record as the longest‑continuously produced aircraft in history, with production running until 2026.

Aircraft Facts

Type Key
beech-a36
Class
General Aviation
Registry Count
1,910
Example Registration
N101KM

Specifications

Wingspan
10.21 m / 33 ft
Length
8.38 m / 27 ft
Height
2.62 m / 8 ft
Cruise Speed
326 km/h / 203 mph
Range
1326 km / 716 nmi
Ceiling
5600 m / 18500 ft
First Flight
1945-12-22
Production Start
1947
Total Built
18546

Aircraft Overview

History

The Bonanza entered service in 1947 and remained in production for 79 years, longer than any other aircraft. More than 18,000 single‑engine Bonanzas and over 6,000 twin‑engine derivatives were built. Production ended in December 2026 after Textron Aviation announced the final aircraft would be delivered, but parts and support will continue.

Design

Designed by Ralph Harmon, the Bonanza is a low‑wing, all‑aluminum airplane with retractable tricycle gear. Early models used a 185‑hp horizontally opposed engine and a V‑tail with combined elevator‑rudder surfaces called ruddervators. Later versions offered a conventional tail and a stretched straight‑tail Model 36.

Variants

Key variants include the Model 35 Bonanza (V‑tail, 1947‑1982), the Model 33 Debonair (conventional tail, 1960‑1995), and the Model 36 Bonanza (stretched straight‑tail, 1968‑present). Twin‑engine derivatives such as the Twin Bonanza, Travel Air, and Baron also share Bonanza parts.

Operations

The Bonanza has been widely used as a business and personal transport, by air charter companies and private owners. Military operators have used it as a trainer (e.g., the T‑34 Mentor for the U.S. Air Force) and in short‑haul feeder roles. It remains popular worldwide in both civilian and military fleets.

Notable Facts

  • It is the longest‑continuously produced aircraft, with 79 years of production.
  • Over 18,000 single‑engine Bonanzas and 6,000 twin‑engine variants have been built.
  • The first nonstop flight from Honolulu to New Jersey in 1949 set a 5,000‑mile record.
  • The V‑tail design earned a reputation for safety issues, but later modifications reduced accidents.
  • Textron Aviation announced the end of Bonanza production in 2025, with final aircraft delivered in 2026.

Variants

  • A36- 1,910 registrations - Example N101KM

Machine-Readable Resources

Sources