Hawker Beechcraft is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a full Beechcraft product line on display at the** Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In** and Expo this week, which includes a G36 Bonanza with the completely overhauled interior design announced last fall. The upgrade, which is being phased into the Barons and Bonanzas this year, includes a new climate control system and upgraded interior design as well as energy efficient LED lighting inside and out.
Beechcraft said the complete redesign of the sidewalls, overhead panels and seats was inspired by luxury automobile interiors. The soft leather seat covering looks high-end with stitching on the sides and through the center of the seats. Four color choices are available – black, gray, and two shades of beige.
And Beechcraft added some new functionality to the interior as well. The forward facing rear seats can fold up or be completely removed in seconds with a quick-release pin system. The aft facing rear seats are also removable and can be slid aft to add legroom for the pilot or copilot. Each of the six seats also has a mobile headrest for height adjustments.
The climate control system is automatically maintained by an electronic control unit and can be used for all phases of flight. All the pilot needs to do is to set the preferred cabin temperature.
Retractable cup holders with LED backlighting are located at the base of the center console underneath the panel, a space previously occupied by the air conditioning unit. The new climate control system not only smaller, but lighter as well. And because the remainder of the new interior installation is also lighter Beechcraft is expecting an increase in the useful load, though no numbers have been released.
Beechcraft is still finishing up certification and is anticipating first deliveries of Bonanzas and Barons with the new upgrades in late June.
Today’s Beechcraft lineup of airplanes includes the G36 Bonanza, the twin Baron, several King Air twin turboprops and the Premier IA single-pilot qualified jet, all on display this week at Sun ‘n Fun.
