The Twin Bonanza was originally built for the US Army as a utility transport. Much larger than it's Bonanza namesake, the fuselage was widened by a foot, lengthened and deepened. Bonanza wings were attached outboard of the engines to a new strengthened center section. Built in 1960, N117WB is what some consider the ultimate version of the design. Modified by Swearingen Aircraft to an Excalibur 800, new direct drive Lycoming engines in streamlined cowlings boosted speed by 60 - 70 mph (aided by a new nose cap, sloped single piece windshield and gear doors that cover the wheels when retracted).

This photo is copyright © Gary Vincent, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 1 December 2024, and has since been viewed 49 times.