Beechcraft 60

Twin Turboprop

The Beechcraft Duke B60T represents a turboprop conversion of the original piston-powered Duke 60, transforming a capable twin into a more efficient and powerful business aircraft. Beechcraft introduced the Duke 60 series in 1968 as a pressurized cabin-class twin, and various aftermarket conversions (most notably by Soloy Aviation Solutions) replaced the original Lycoming TIO-541 piston engines with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprops. The conversion dramatically improved reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced hot-and-high performance while retaining the Duke's distinctive T-tail design and spacious six-seat cabin. The turboprop conversion delivers approximately 500 shaft horsepower per engine, compared to the original 380 horsepower pistons, resulting in improved climb rates and single-engine performance. The PT6A's proven reliability and longer time-between-overhaul intervals made the B60T particularly attractive to corporate operators and air ambulance services. Maximum cruise speeds reach approximately 280 knots, with a service ceiling around 28,000 feet and range exceeding 1,200 nautical miles. The pressurized cabin maintains a comfortable 10,000-foot cabin altitude at maximum operating altitude, making it well-suited for transcontinental business travel. While the conversion was never a factory offering from Beechcraft, the B60T earned a loyal following among owners seeking turbine reliability without the acquisition cost of a new turboprop twin. The type remains relatively rare compared to factory-built turboprops like the King Air series, but continues to serve in corporate and specialty roles where its combination of speed, range, and cabin comfort justify the conversion investment. SkyMeter has tracked 7 flights across 2 airframes and 2 operators, with N6060Y LLC the largest observed operator.