Beechcraft Model 2000 Starship

1989 MODERN

• 1 History of the Beechcraft Model 2000 Starship
• 2 Beechcraft 2000 Starship Specs
  • 2.1 Basics
  • 2.2 Roles
  • 2.3 Notable Features
  • 2.4 Dimensions and Weight
  • 2.5 Main Program Structure
  • 2.6 Power and Performance

History of the Beechcraft Model 2000 Starship

The Beechcraft 2000 "Starship" was a pioneering business aircraft developed by Raytheon as a potential successor to the widely popular "King Air" series. This futuristic aircraft aimed to deliver enhanced performance and increased passenger capacity, setting it apart in the market. Originating from the "PD330" project in the early 1980s, the design was validated through the construction of a scaled model by Scaled Composites, marking the beginning of a bold endeavor in aviation innovation.

The final Starship design showcased a streamlined and unique appearance, featuring rear-mounted engines, stabilizing canards, and extensive use of carbon fiber composites. Notably, it introduced groundbreaking technologies such as a digitally controlled cockpit and retractable landing gear, elevating the standard for business aircraft. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines, the Starship provided luxurious accommodations for up to six passengers, combining comfort with cutting-edge engineering.

Despite its advanced features, the Starship faced challenges in the market, resulting in limited sales and eventual discontinuation in 1995. Economic factors, coupled with the aircraft's high development costs and the introduction of luxury taxes, contributed to its downfall. Nonetheless, some examples of this innovative aircraft are preserved in museums, serving as a testament to its role in pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.

Beechcraft 2000 Starship Specs

Basics

Year of Service: 1989

Origins: United States

Status: Active.

Crew: 2

Production: 5

Manufacturer: Beechcraft - USA

Carrier: United States

Roles

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

BizJet: For roles serving the business aviation market, primarily VIP and regional travel.

Notable Features

Multi-engine: Include two or more engines to improve survivability and/or performance.

Slideshow support: The design features a rearward push rod arrangement in contrast to the more traditional pull rod arrangement.

Wings: Main aircraft covered with winglets for improved fuel efficiency and handling.

Duck Duck: Small forward aircraft in front of the main aircraft reduces wing loading and/or improves maneuverability for high angle of attack or stall operations.

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.

Operation Lakes: Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

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: 46.1 ft (14.05m)

Width/span: 54.5 feet (16.60m)

Height: 13. 0 feet (3.95m)

Cured weight: 10,086 lbs (4,575 kg)

MTOW: 14,903 lbs (6,760 kg)

Main Program Structure

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

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

Backsweep: The floor plan features a swept wing along the leading edge of the main aircraft, promoting higher operating speeds.

Sweep back with duck: The floor plan features a wing sweep along the leading edge of the main aircraft, promoting higher operating speeds, with additional control provided by the smaller forward aircraft ("canards") positioned in front of the main aircraft.

Power and Performance

Installed: 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PT6A-67A turboprops, 1,200 hp each, driving a five-blade propeller unit in overdrive mode.

Maximum speed: 385 km/h (620 km/h | 335 knots)

Cruising speed: 353 km/h (568 km/h | 307 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +52 km/h (+52 km/h | 28 knots)

Maximum: 41,010 feet (12,500 m | 8 km)

Area: 1,743 km (2,805 km | 5,195 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 2,748 ft/min (838 m/min)