At the end of World War II, two all-metal light aircraft emerged, the Model 35 Bonanza and the Cessna 195, that represented very different approaches to the premium end of the postwar civil-aviation market. With its high-wing, seven-cylinder radial engine, fixed tailwheel undercarriage, and roll-down side windows, the Cessna 195 was little more than a continuation of prewar technology; the 35 Bonanza, however, was more like the fighters developed during the war, featuring an easier-to-manage, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder engine, a rakishly streamlined shape, retractable tricycle undercarriage (although the nosewheel initially was not steerable, but castering) and low-wing configuration. Designed by a team led by Ralph Harmon, the model 35 Bonanza was a relatively fast, low-wing monoplane at a time when most light aircraft were still made of wood and fabric. The Model 35 featured retractable landing gear, and its signature V-tail (equipped with combination elevator-rudders called "ruddervators"), which made it both efficient and distinctive. The prototype 35 Bonanza made its first flight on December 22, 1945, with the first production aircraft debuting as 1947 models. The first 30–40 Bonanzas produced had fabric-covered flaps and ailerons, after which those surfaces were covered with magnesium alloy sheet. Three major variants eventually comprised the Bonanza family: Model 35 Bonanza (1947–1982; V-tail) Model 33 Debonair (1959–1995; later renamed Bonanza, a Model 35 with a conventional tail) Model 36 Bonanza (1968–present; a stretched Model 33); Separate profiles are available for the Model 33 and Model 36. Model 35 Bonanza (1947–1982; V-tail) A cantilever low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction, including the distinctive tail unit, the Model 35 has an enclosed cabin providing seating for a pilot and three or four passengers. From the outset the Model 35 has had retractable tricycle landing gear, but the original version had only a swivelling nosewheel: a steerable unit was introduced on the Model A35 in 1949. An optional feature throughout the years has been a landing gear safety system of Beech design. Named 'Magic Hand', this ensures that the wheels cannot be retracted accidentally on the ground, or a landing made with the wheels up. As first flown, power was provided by a 138kW Continental E-185-1 flat-six engine, but a variety of standard and optional powerplants have been installed during the long production run. When the company announced that full-scale production was to begin in March 1947, it already had a backlog of around 1,500 orders. The Bonanza was introduced as a production model in 1947 and was labeled the Model 35. The first Bonanza 35 was delivered in 1947. In 1947, 1,299 were built. Powered by a Continental 165 hp, the top speed was 184 mph and cruise 175 mph. Subsequent aircraft were designated A35, B35, C35, etc. until the S35, after which the letter V was placed in front of the model number and the lettering process began all over again. Early models were fitted with 185-hp engines and seated four persons. In 1952, the C-model appeared with enlarged tail surfaces and a 205-hp engine. The 225-hp Continental was first used in 1954 with the E35. The H35 utilized a 240-hp engine and the J through M models were fitted with 250-hp Continentals. The specifications below are for the V35B model. For details of all models in the series, click here. Bonanzas have a unique "throw-over" control yoke. For training purposes, a double yoke can be fitted.
