From The Archives: First Full-Size Beech Starship In Verification Flight Tests

On the cover of the April 21, 1986 issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology is a Beech Starship 1 composite turboprop pusher aircraft, seen flying near Wichita, Kansas, in verification flight tests. 

The aircraft had confirmed performance estimates generated by a smaller proof-of-concept version. In-house testing was on schedule and FAA certification testing of the $3.5 million twin was to begin in May 1986. 

At the time of going to press, Beech had reported an 18-month Starship 1 production orderbook.

See the cover of the issue dated April 21, 1986.

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