The story
The Twin Beech did everything: airliner, military trainer, freight hauler, skydiving jump ship, movie star. Its twin radial engines and twin tail fins are pure golden-age glamour, and the survivors are cherished like flying antiques that still earn their keep.
It stayed in production from 1937 to 1969 — at the time, the longest continuous production run of any aircraft.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Model 18?
Twin radial engines, twin oval tail fins, tailwheel stance. Nothing else at a modern airport looks or sounds like it.
What does a Model 18 sound like?
Two Wasp Junior radials thundering in loose harmony — one of aviation's great sounds.
How fast is the Model 18?
Top speed is 195 kts.
How many passengers does the Model 18 carry?
Up to 9. A typical layout is 2 pilots + 6-9 passengers.
How far can the Model 18 fly?
Range is about 1,040 nmi.
How big is the Model 18?
It is 34 ft 3 in long and 47 ft 8 in across the wings.
When did the Model 18 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1937.
How many Model 18s have been built?
9,000+ (incl. military C-45) built.
What do crews call the Model 18?
The Twin Beech.
How rare is a Model 18 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Model 18 catch is worth 25 points.
