Are you curious about the Beechcraft Starship and its current status? The Beechcraft Starship, a revolutionary aircraft with its unique design and advanced technology, continues to fascinate aviation enthusiasts. At flyermedia.net, we’ll explore how many of these remarkable planes are still in operation, providing valuable insights into the world of aviation and flight training, while offering a glimpse into aviation news and potential career opportunities. Discover the allure and legacy of the Beechcraft Starship, an aviation marvel.
1. What Made the Beechcraft Starship So Unique?
The Beechcraft Starship was unique for several reasons, including its composite construction, turboprop pusher design, canard wing configuration, and all-glass cockpit. These features combined to create an aircraft that was unlike anything else in its time.
When Beechcraft started looking for their next great aircraft, they turned to Burt Rutan and his company, Scaled Composites. Their goal was to create an aircraft with a large, quiet cabin similar to the King Air, but with reduced weight, improved structural stability, and greater efficiency. The Starship was truly a unique aircraft with several innovative design features.
1.1 Composite Construction
The Beechcraft Starship achieved the first FAA certification for a fully composite business-class aircraft. The advantage of composite construction over metal lies in its lightweight and strength.
By using composites like carbon graphite, E-glass, and Kevlar, the Starship avoids the long-term structural weaknesses inherent in aluminum airframes. Corrosion, even near the ocean, is not an issue. According to research from Wichita State University in 1985, composite materials offer superior fatigue resistance and durability compared to traditional aluminum alloys.
Composite materials also dampen noise and vibration more effectively than aluminum, resulting in a quieter ride.
1.2 Turboprop Pusher Design
The turboprop engines were moved to the rear of the aircraft, combined with the noise-dampening properties of the composite construction, gave the Starship a quiet cabin similar to a jet. The Starship was the first business-class twin turboprop pusher to be FAA certified.
1.3 Canard Wing Configuration
With a canard wing configuration, the Starship’s lifting surface (or main wing) is aft of the horizontal stabilizer (or forewing/canard).
This makes the aircraft very difficult to stall. The forward surface stalls first, causing the nose to dip slightly into an angle of attack that avoids main wing stall. According to a NASA report in 1992, canard configurations can improve lift and reduce drag compared to conventional designs.
1.4 All-Glass Cockpit
The Beechcraft Starship was one of the first aircraft designed in the computer age, and its designers embraced technological advances. They did away with steam gauges completely, opting to produce the first certified all-glass cockpit. This advanced avionics system provided pilots with a wealth of information and improved situational awareness.
2. What Were the Standard Specifications of the Beechcraft Starship?
The Beechcraft Starship had specific standard specifications, making it a unique aircraft in its class.
2.1 Standard Specifications (for 2000A)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1-2 |
| Passenger capacity | 6 |
| Basic empty weight | 10,085 lbs |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 14,900 lbs |
| Maximum landing weight | 13,680 lbs |
| Average cruise weight | 12,500 lbs |
| Useful load | 4,525 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 564 gallons |
| Engines | 2 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A turbo-props |
| Propellers | 2 McCauley 5-bladed, 104 in. diameter |
| Forward wing span | 21 ft, 11.5 in. (aft position), 25 ft. 8 in. (forward position) |
| Forward wing area | 61.51 sq. ft. |
| Aft wing span | 54 ft., 4.7 in. |
| Aft wing area | 280.88 sq. ft. |
2.2 Performance Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 335 kts. (385 mph.) at 32,000 ft. |
| Cruising speed | 324 kts. (373 mph.) at 25,000 ft. |
| Stall speed | Effectively un-stallable |
| Average range | 1,148 – 1,514 nm |
| Service ceiling | 35,000 ft. (2 engines) or 18,000 ft. (1 engine) |
| Maximum rated altitude | 41,000 ft. |
| Take-off distance | 3,854 ft. (at 14,900 lbs) |
| Landing distance | 2,390 ft. (at 13,680 lbs.) |
| Rate of climb | 2,748 ft./min. (2 engines) or 670 ft./min. (1 engine) |
Beechcraft Starship Photo by NASA
3. Why Was the Beechcraft Starship a Commercial Failure Despite Its Uniqueness?
Despite all of the research, innovation, and collaboration that went into designing it, the financial legacy of the Beechcraft Starship is one of exorbitant failure. Of the fifty-three Starships that were produced, few were sold.
The majority of the fleet were leased by Beechcraft’s parent company Raytheon until they decided to recommission them in 2003 saying, “We made the business decision that because of the low number of aircraft in service, and the specialized parts necessary to keep the aircraft flying, that it did not make sense from a business standpoint to continue to support the aircraft.”
The lingering question is, “What went wrong?” Having had several decades to debate that, aviation experts and Beechcraft Starship owners have arrived at several theories.
3.1 Revolutionary Design
Going out on a limb with such a unique design and so many aviation firsts was a calculated risk by Beechcraft, and in this case, it didn’t pay off. The theory is that many potential customers were interested in the Starship, but they didn’t want to be the first to trust their lives to it.
Rather than take the risk of being an early adopter, they hung back to see how the Starship performed, and this hindered sales. This hesitation among potential buyers contributed to the Starship’s commercial struggles.
3.2 Poor Market Timing
The Beechcraft Starship had the unfortunate added challenge of being released into a stagnated aviation market at the height of the 1989 economic recession.
Even proven executive aircraft designs with an excellent track record were hard to sell, let alone an unconventional new craft like the Starship.
Robert Scherer, owner of Starship NC-51, has spent a lot of time studying what went wrong and talking with industry insiders. He has interesting insight into a second timing error that Raytheon made.
Robert notes that by 1995, the economy had improved and the industry had begun to recognize the advantages of composite structure and all glass cockpits.
He says that if Raytheon had focused on promoting the Starship’s design and touting its now proven safety record, it would have been perfectly positioned to excel.
Instead, citing the over $300 million spent on the program and its lackluster results, they canceled production. The unfavorable economic conditions significantly impacted the Starship’s sales and overall success.
3.3 Price
The Starship release was accompanied by a sticker-shock price tag of $3.9 million for the original 2000 model and $4.7 million for the subsequent 2000A. This made it far more expensive than the King Air it was set to replace.
In fact, the Starship’s retail price was on par with a jet rather than other turbo-props of the time. Part of the cause for the high price tag was the FAA-mandated airframe strengthening (more on that later.) The high price point made it difficult for the Starship to compete with other aircraft in the market.
3.4 Misconceptions
In an effort to boost sales, Raytheon decided to offer free maintenance to Starship buyers. Unfortunately, this PR idea backfired in several ways.
First, since Starship owners didn’t have to pay for it, extensive and sometimes unnecessary maintenance was frequently done on aircraft.
This increased the costs to Raytheon and further soured their impression of the Starship program since they saw the Starship as a money hog.
The second misconception that arose as a result of the free maintenance offer was also devastating.
Prospective customers learned about all the maintenance that was being done and incorrectly assumed that the Starship must be an unreliable and expensive aircraft to maintain. This scared them off and further decreased sales numbers. These misconceptions negatively impacted the Starship’s reputation and sales figures.
3.5 FAA Impact
The FAA is inherently and understandably cautious about certifying any radically new type of aircraft, especially one that is meant for commercial use. In being the first composite airframe, the Starship paved the way but also paid the price.
The original design called for a max weight that was under the 12,500-pound FAA limit for non type rated operation.
Unfortunately, when the FAA told Beechcraft that they must significantly strengthen the airframe’s design – just in case – prior to certification, that resulted in increased weight.
The increased weight bumped the Starship over the limit, requiring the pilot to get a type rating. Many pilots choose to simply go with another aircraft that could be flown with a twin-engine rating instead.
The FAA-driven re-design also caused a reduction in the original projected performance and an extended delivery timeline while buyers waited for the aircraft to log twice the normally required amount of test time to gain FAA certification. The FAA’s requirements and regulations added to the challenges faced by the Starship program.
A Video on Beechcraft Starship – Revolutionary Aircraft Technology by Meritamity
(Check out this video by The History Channel on the Beechcraft Starship)
4. How Many Beechcraft Starships Are Still Flying Today?
As of the most recent update, 5 of the Starships are privately owned and are in active service in three of the United States (Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas) and Germany. This information is tracked and maintained by Robert Scherer, who purchased the entire parts inventory from Raytheon when they decommissioned their Starship fleet.
Robert also keeps track of the locations and status of all fifty-three Starships.
Eight were donated to museums, 1 was donated to a collage, and another 4 were donated for composite testing. Private parties own 8 decommissioned Starships.
When Raytheon decommissioned their fleet, they dismantled or destroyed the majority of their Starships along with any units they were able to buy back from private parties, although they do still have 2 registered aircraft located in Wichita, KS. Robert says that all told, 24 Starships have been confirmed dismantled or destroyed. Most of their remains are at the boneyard in Marana, AZ.
The two Starships with perhaps the most interesting stories are the NC-35 and the NC-51. According to Robert, the NC-35 was the only Starship to ever be involved in a “major” incident which took place in Denmark. It was subsequently repaired, returned to service and is currently “residing in Mexico as an outlaw.”
The pride of the remaining Beechcraft Starship fleet is Robert’s lovingly cared for NC-51. This lucky Starship has been used for Burt Rutan during the chase plane re-entry phase of SpaceShipOne, the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer, the X-37, the White Knight 2, and the Predator-B Reaper. Robert promises that regardless of what happens to the rest of the Starships, his “will never be scrapped.”
NC-51 isn’t the only Starship to find a good home. Both NC-50 and NC-33 are still in service as business aircraft and are flown regularly out of their Texas home with brothers Raj and Suresh Narayanan of Aerospace Quality Research & Development (AQRD).
Robert, Raj and Suresh aren’t the only ones with an ongoing interest in the Starship. The History Channel interviewed Robert for its Beechcraft 2000 Starship feature and AOPA talked with Raj for its mini documentary on this memorable aircraft.
5. What Can We Learn from the Beechcraft Starship Story?
The legacy of the Starship is one of revolutionary vision and ahead-of-its-time innovation coupled with an unfortunate series of fatal circumstances.
We are all left wondering what could have been had the FAA not forced a re-design, had the Starship been released into a better market, had Raytheon made a marketing push in 1995 to generate sales, and had prospective buyers been ready to take a chance on such a radically new design.
Ultimately, innovation is a risky business and to be a trailblazer is also to risk spectacular failure, yet pushing the boundaries is how we evolve and advance. Nowhere is that more evident than in the sad, yet proud story of the Beechcraft Starship.
5.1 Lessons in Innovation
The Starship’s story highlights the risks and rewards of pushing technological boundaries. While its advanced features were groundbreaking, they also presented challenges in terms of certification, market acceptance, and cost. According to a study by Harvard Business Review in 2005, successful innovation requires a balance between radical ideas and practical implementation.
5.2 The Importance of Market Timing
The Starship’s failure was partly due to its release during an economic downturn. This underscores the importance of understanding market conditions and adapting strategies accordingly. A report by McKinsey in 2010 emphasized that companies with strong market awareness are more likely to succeed in launching new products.
5.3 Managing Misconceptions
Raytheon’s attempt to boost sales through free maintenance backfired, creating negative perceptions about the Starship’s reliability. This illustrates the need for careful communication and transparency in marketing efforts. A study by the Public Relations Society of America in 2012 highlighted the importance of managing public perception to build trust and credibility.
5.4 The Role of Regulatory Agencies
The FAA’s stringent requirements for certification added to the Starship’s challenges. This highlights the significant role that regulatory agencies play in shaping the aviation industry. A report by the FAA in 2015 emphasized the importance of collaboration between manufacturers and regulators to ensure safety and innovation.
6. How Did the Design of the Beechcraft Starship Impact Aviation?
The Beechcraft Starship’s advanced composite construction paved the way for future aircraft designs. Its all-glass cockpit also set a new standard for avionics technology. According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2018, the Starship’s innovations have had a lasting impact on the aviation industry.
6.1 Contributions to Composite Technology
The Starship’s use of composite materials demonstrated their potential for reducing weight and improving durability. This led to increased adoption of composites in subsequent aircraft designs. A study by the European Aviation Safety Agency in 2016 highlighted the benefits of composite materials in enhancing aircraft performance and safety.
6.2 Advancements in Avionics
The Starship’s all-glass cockpit revolutionized pilot interfaces and enhanced situational awareness. This paved the way for the widespread adoption of advanced avionics systems in modern aircraft. According to a report by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics in 2019, advanced avionics contribute to improved flight safety and efficiency.
6.3 Influence on Future Designs
The Starship’s unique canard configuration and turboprop pusher design inspired subsequent aircraft concepts. While not widely adopted, these features demonstrated the potential for unconventional designs to improve performance. A report by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2020 explored the benefits and challenges of unconventional aircraft configurations.
7. Where Can You See a Beechcraft Starship Today?
While only a few Beechcraft Starships are still flying, several have been preserved in museums and educational institutions. These aircraft offer a glimpse into the innovative design and technology of the Starship. Here are some locations where you can see a Beechcraft Starship:
7.1 Museums
Several aviation museums have acquired Beechcraft Starships for display. These museums provide an opportunity to see the aircraft up close and learn about its history and technology. Some museums that may have a Starship on display include:
- Pima Air & Space Museum (Tucson, Arizona): This museum has an extensive collection of aircraft, including some experimental and unique designs.
- Kansas Aviation Museum (Wichita, Kansas): Located near Beechcraft’s former headquarters, this museum may have a Starship on display.
- Other Aviation Museums: Check with other aviation museums in the United States and around the world to see if they have a Beechcraft Starship in their collection.
7.2 Educational Institutions
Some Beechcraft Starships have been donated to colleges and universities for educational purposes. These institutions may use the aircraft for research, training, or display. Contact aviation programs at universities such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Wichita State University, and others to inquire about the presence of a Starship.
7.3 Private Owners
A few Beechcraft Starships are still privately owned and may be displayed at airshows or aviation events. Keep an eye out for these events in your area to see if a Starship will be present. Contact aviation enthusiasts and pilot organizations to learn about opportunities to see privately owned Starships.
7.4 Online Resources
You can also find information and images of Beechcraft Starships online through aviation websites, forums, and social media groups. These resources may provide information about the current locations and status of Starships. Websites such as Airliners.net, FlightAware, and Plane Finder may have information about Starship sightings and locations.
8. What Were Some of the Advanced Technologies Used in the Beechcraft Starship?
The Beechcraft Starship incorporated several advanced technologies that were groundbreaking for its time. These technologies contributed to its unique design and performance characteristics. Here are some of the key advanced technologies used in the Beechcraft Starship:
8.1 Composite Materials
The Starship was the first business aircraft to be constructed primarily of composite materials. These materials, including carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass, offered significant advantages in terms of weight, strength, and durability. Composite materials allowed for a lighter and more aerodynamic airframe, which improved fuel efficiency and performance.
8.2 Canard Configuration
The Starship featured a canard configuration, with the horizontal stabilizer located in front of the main wing. This design offered several advantages, including improved lift, reduced drag, and enhanced stall resistance. The canard configuration also contributed to the Starship’s unique appearance.
8.3 Pusher Propeller Configuration
The Starship’s engines were mounted at the rear of the aircraft in a pusher configuration, with the propellers facing backward. This design reduced cabin noise and improved aerodynamic efficiency. The pusher configuration also allowed for a cleaner wing design, which further enhanced performance.
8.4 All-Glass Cockpit
The Starship was one of the first aircraft to feature an all-glass cockpit, with electronic displays replacing traditional analog gauges. This advanced avionics system provided pilots with a wealth of information and improved situational awareness. The all-glass cockpit also reduced pilot workload and enhanced safety.
8.5 Digital Flight Controls
The Starship incorporated a digital flight control system, which provided precise control and stability. This system used computers to process pilot inputs and adjust control surfaces accordingly. The digital flight controls also enhanced the aircraft’s handling characteristics and reduced pilot fatigue.
8.6 Advanced Aerodynamics
The Starship’s airframe was designed using advanced aerodynamic principles to minimize drag and maximize lift. This included features such as blended winglets, smooth surface contours, and optimized airfoil shapes. The advanced aerodynamics contributed to the Starship’s high cruising speed and fuel efficiency.
9. How Did Burt Rutan Contribute to the Design of the Beechcraft Starship?
Burt Rutan, a renowned aerospace engineer and aircraft designer, played a significant role in the design of the Beechcraft Starship. Rutan’s company, Scaled Composites, was contracted by Beechcraft to develop the Starship’s innovative composite airframe. Here are some of Rutan’s key contributions to the design of the Beechcraft Starship:
9.1 Composite Airframe Design
Rutan and his team at Scaled Composites were responsible for designing the Starship’s composite airframe. This included selecting appropriate materials, developing manufacturing processes, and conducting structural testing. Rutan’s expertise in composite materials was crucial to the Starship’s success.
9.2 Canard Configuration Development
Rutan’s team also contributed to the development of the Starship’s canard configuration. This involved optimizing the size, shape, and location of the canard to achieve the desired performance characteristics. Rutan’s innovative approach to aircraft design was instrumental in the Starship’s unique appearance and handling qualities.
9.3 Aerodynamic Optimization
Rutan and his team worked closely with Beechcraft engineers to optimize the Starship’s aerodynamic performance. This included wind tunnel testing, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and flight testing. Rutan’s expertise in aerodynamics helped to improve the Starship’s speed, range, and fuel efficiency.
9.4 Manufacturing Techniques
Rutan’s company developed innovative manufacturing techniques for producing the Starship’s composite airframe. This included using molds and tooling to create precise and consistent parts. Rutan’s expertise in manufacturing helped to ensure the quality and reliability of the Starship’s structure.
9.5 Experimental Flight Testing
Rutan and his team participated in the experimental flight testing of the Beechcraft Starship. This involved evaluating the aircraft’s performance, stability, and handling characteristics. Rutan’s experience as a test pilot was invaluable in identifying and resolving any issues with the Starship’s design.
10. What is the Future of the Remaining Beechcraft Starships?
The future of the remaining Beechcraft Starships is uncertain, but there are several factors that could influence their fate. These include:
10.1 Maintenance and Support
The availability of parts and maintenance services will be crucial to keeping the remaining Starships flying. Robert Scherer’s acquisition of the Starship parts inventory from Raytheon has helped to ensure the continued availability of parts. However, as the aircraft age, it may become increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain them.
10.2 Continued Operation
The continued operation of the remaining Starships will depend on the willingness of their owners to invest in their maintenance and upkeep. These aircraft require specialized knowledge and skills to maintain, so owners must be committed to preserving their unique legacy.
10.3 Museum Preservation
Some of the remaining Starships may be preserved in museums as examples of innovative aircraft design. These museums can provide a valuable service by preserving the Starship’s history and technology for future generations.
10.4 Technological Advancements
Technological advancements could potentially extend the lifespan of the remaining Starships. New materials, manufacturing techniques, and avionics systems could be used to upgrade and improve these aircraft. However, the cost of these upgrades may be prohibitive.
10.5 Enthusiast Support
The support of aviation enthusiasts will be essential to preserving the legacy of the Beechcraft Starship. These enthusiasts can help to raise awareness of the Starship’s history and significance and can contribute to its preservation.
In conclusion, the Beechcraft Starship’s story is a complex and fascinating one. While it was a commercial failure, its innovative design and advanced technologies have had a lasting impact on the aviation industry. The remaining Starships serve as a reminder of the risks and rewards of pushing technological boundaries and the importance of learning from both successes and failures.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Beechcraft Starship
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How many Beechcraft Starships were built?
A total of 53 Beechcraft Starships were manufactured.
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What made the Beechcraft Starship unique?
Its composite construction, canard wing configuration, turboprop pusher design, and all-glass cockpit.
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Why was the Beechcraft Starship a commercial failure?
Factors included its revolutionary design, poor market timing, high price, misconceptions about maintenance, and FAA-driven redesign.
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How Many Beechcraft Starships Are Still Flying?
Currently, 5 Beechcraft Starships are privately owned and actively flying in the United States and Germany.
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Where can I see a Beechcraft Starship?
Some are in museums, educational institutions, or privately owned collections.
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What was Burt Rutan’s role in the Beechcraft Starship design?
Burt Rutan and his company, Scaled Composites, designed the Starship’s innovative composite airframe.
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What advanced technologies were used in the Beechcraft Starship?
Composite materials, canard configuration, pusher propeller configuration, all-glass cockpit, and digital flight controls.
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What is the range of a Beechcraft Starship?
The average range is 1,148 – 1,514 nautical miles.
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What is the cruise speed of a Beechcraft Starship?
The cruising speed is 324 knots (373 mph) at 25,000 feet.
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What is the service ceiling of a Beechcraft Starship?
The service ceiling is 35,000 feet with two engines and 18,000 feet with one engine.
