Quantcast

Beechcraft's largest aircraft: A look at the Model 34 Twin-Quad

Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Beechcraft's largest aircraft: A look at the Model 34 Twin-Quad
Policy
Webp twin
Beechcraft Model 34 Twin-Quad | Wikipedia

Beechcraft's Model 34 Twin-Quad stands as the largest aircraft ever produced by the company, despite never entering commercial production. Developed between the late 1940s and early 1950s, it was designed to serve as a regional airliner capable of carrying up to 20 passengers.

The Twin-Quad featured a unique V-tail design and was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engines, each producing 450 horsepower. This configuration promised enhanced safety and power for its size. The first prototype took flight on October 1, 1947, but the project faced challenges due to a post-war surplus of military aircraft and competition from established models like the Douglas DC-3.

According to History.net, these factors hindered the Model 34's market success. Beechcraft eventually shelved the project in the early 1950s after producing just one prototype. Despite this, it left a lasting impression as a symbol of Beechcraft's innovation.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The aircraft boasted impressive technical specifications: a length of 55 feet, wingspan of 70 feet, maximum takeoff weight of 18,000 pounds, cruise speed of 210 mph, range of approximately 1,200 miles, and service ceiling of 20,000 feet. It could accommodate up to 20 passengers with features such as large windows and noise reduction measures.

Competing against models like the Douglas DC-3 and Convair 240 proved challenging for Beechcraft. The DC-3 had become an aviation staple with its robust design and low operating costs. Meanwhile, the Convair 240 introduced innovations like a pressurized cabin for more comfortable flights above turbulent weather.

The Beechcraft Model 34 Twin-Quad is no longer operational today; only one prototype was built and has since been retired. However, its legacy lives on in Beechcraft’s continued commitment to innovation seen in later designs like the King Air series.

Although overshadowed by competitors such as the Douglas DC-3 and Convair 240, "the Twin-Quad's legacy endures as a testament to Beechcraft’s ambition," highlighting their forward-thinking approach in aviation history.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Memphis International Airport (MEM) once served as a significant hub for Delta Air Lines, but today it is primarily recognized as a major cargo hub, known as the FedEx Superhub.

Jul 11, 2025

The United States Air Force (USAF) has formally integrated the Embraer A-29C, also known as the Super Tucano, into its curriculum at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Jul 11, 2025

Porter Airlines, Canada's largest airline without unionized pilots, is facing a potential shift as its pilots are considering joining the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

Jul 11, 2025

Airport security is a topic often surrounded by myths and misconceptions.

Jul 11, 2025

In early 2024, a significant incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 brought attention to Boeing's manufacturing processes.

Jul 11, 2025

On June 28th, an Air France Airbus A350 flight from Paris to Chicago was forced to return after passing Iceland.

Jul 11, 2025