Beechcraft Model 38P (Lightning)

History of the Beechcraft Model 38P (Lightning)

The Model 38P "Lightning" was an ambitious venture by Beechcraft to create a high-performance turboprop aircraft for the General Aviation market. Utilizing components from the Beechcraft "Baron" Type 58P fuselage and the unpowered wings of a "Bonanza," the aircraft's unique design promised a streamlined and efficient solution for civilian aviation needs. The addition of a Garrett AiResearch TPE-331-9 turboprop engine mounted on the nose further enhanced its performance capabilities.

Despite showing great promise during its test flights, the Model 38P faced a major setback due to the economic impact of the U.S. recession in the late 1980s. This financial downturn severely affected the aviation industry, leading to the cancellation of the project. The decision to replace the original turboprop engine with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-40 also contributed to delays, eventually leading to the suspension of further development. In the end, only two aircraft were completed, and all customer deposits on the product were refunded.

The Model 38P's legacy lives on through its presence at the Beech Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Although it never entered full-scale production, the aircraft remains a testament to Beechcraft's ingenuity and their pursuit of innovation in the General Aviation market. Despite its unfortunate fate, the Model 38P "Lightning" showcases the potential for a high-performance and sleek turboprop aircraft that could have made a significant impact in the industry had it not been for the challenging economic conditions of its time.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 1982

Origins: United States

Status: Development ended.

Crew: 1

Production: 2

Manufacturer: Beechcraft - USA

Carrier: United States

Roles

Commercial Aviation

Used in roles serving the commercial aviation market, moving passengers and cargo over long distances.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Notable features

Wing swept

The main plane or leading edge has retraction lines for improved high-speed performance and handling.

High-speed performance

Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Super performance

The design covers the three key performance categories of speed, altitude and range.

Depression in crew members

Support the pressurization required for crew survival at higher operating altitudes.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 29. 9 feet (9.12m)

Width/span: 37.8 feet (11.53m)

Main aircraft structure

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Low install

The main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage.

Swipe back

The floor plan features a wing sweep along the leading edge of the main aircraft, which increases operating speed.

Performance

Installed: 1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PT6A-40 550-650 hp turboprop, driving a five-bladed propeller unit in the nose.

Maximum speed: 396 km/h (638 km/h | 344 knots)

Cruising speed: 317 km/h (510 km/h | 275 knots)

Maximum speed difference +80 km/h (+128 km/h | 69 kn)

Maximum: 24,934 feet (7,600 m | 5 km)

Area: 1,286 km(2,070 km | 3,834 nautical miles)