The story
The Duke was Beechcraft's style statement: a pressurized twin with swept lines that made everything else on the ramp look dowdy. Its turbocharged engines were famously expensive to feed, which is why owners say you buy a Duke with your heart, not your spreadsheet.
Only 596 were built — its glamour never quite offset the fuel and maintenance bills, which made survivors all the more loved.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Duke?
Swept tail, pointed nose, and a distinctive upswept rear fuselage line. If a piston twin makes you stop and stare, check for the Duke's profile.
What does a Duke sound like?
Deep turbocharged Lycomings with a proud, slightly extravagant rumble.
How fast is the Duke?
Top speed is 248 kts.
How many passengers does the Duke carry?
Up to 5. A typical layout is 1 pilot + 5 passengers.
How far can the Duke fly?
Range is about 1,227 nmi.
How big is the Duke?
It is 33 ft 10 in long and 39 ft 3 in across the wings.
When did the Duke first fly?
Its first flight was in 1966.
How many Dukes have been built?
596 built.
How rare is a Duke in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Duke catch is worth 25 points.
