The Model 76 was designed as an economical twin-engine trainer for the Beech Aero Centers and to compete with the similar Gulfstream Cougar as well as the Cessna 310. The Duchess is an all-metal low-wing monoplane with retractable tricycle landing gear and a T-tail. It seats four. Construction of the Duchess was set for a new factory built at the Liberal Division, with deliveries beginning early in 1978. Production of the Duchess continued until 1983, with no significant changes. A single example was tested with turbocharged engines in 1979, but did not proceed to production. The design used components and the bonded wing construction from Beechcraft's single-engined Musketeer line. For more information, click here and here.
