Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced it will begin delivering the first of 12 specially equipped 50th Anniversary Beechcraft Baron models in August. The milestone airplane is a limited edition version that incorporates elegant interior design features and amenities, a choice of four distinctive anniversary paint schemes, and high performance Hartzell Scimitar propellers. Since its introduction in 1960, more than 6,700 Barons have been produced.

"We have received strong customer interest in this special edition model and are especially proud of the Baron's long standing position as the twin-engine piston aircraft that pilots aspire to own," said Keith Nadolski, HBC president, Beechcraft Americas. "It flies farther and faster with more payload than any other aircraft in its class. We continue to add value to this exceptional aircraft and will begin delivering airplanes with Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology as standard equipment in August."

The golden anniversary aircraft incorporates specially engraved, 14-carat gold Baron and 50-year emblems into the power quadrant and pilot and co-pilot control wheels, matching wheat leather seats and removable headrest covers with an embossed Beechcraft shield and leather-wrapped yokes in an exclusive wheat finish. The aircraft also sports a heritage Beechcraft shield sculpted into the velvet cut Baron Brown carpet in the club seating area. Rosin sun visors, a Lightspeed Zulu headset and standard air-conditioning round out the internal enhancements.

Externally, the Hartzell blended airfoil Scimitar propellers equipped with unfeathering accumulators will provide a quieter cabin, while a choice of four color palettes and a specially-designed paint scheme give the anniversary aircraft a unique look. The limited edition Baron is identified by an exclusive number sequence (1/12) and proudly displays the heritage Beech shield on the tail. Each aircraft features distinctive 50th anniversary commemorative graphics applied to the nacelles and fuselage, with upper leading-edge wing surfaces finished with select anniversary paint.

In addition to the newly available Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology, the 50th Anniversary Baron features Garmin's G1000 integrated electronic flight display system and GFC 700 integrated autopilot and GWX 68 color weather radar as standard. With a full de-ice system that is certified for flight into known icing, the limited edition airplane offers safety, redundancy and all-weather capability.