1960 Beechcraft Model H50 Twin Bonanza — A Supercharged Rarity of Military Provenance

Overview

Offered for auction is an exceptionally rare 1960 Beechcraft Model H50 Twin Bonanza, a supercharged variant representing one of only three flying examples worldwide. Known affectionately as the "T-Bone," the Twin Bonanza occupies a unique place in Beechcraft history—conceived for military use, engineered with remarkable structural margins, and endowed with a presence that feels more akin to a light transport than a conventional piston twin.

This particular aircraft stands as a compelling blend of heritage and capability. Its King Air–derived wings and landing gear provide impressive interior volume, payload capacity, and confidence-inspiring handling, while its supercharged Continental powerplants deliver performance that remains formidable even by modern standards. Carefully maintained and thoughtfully upgraded, it offers a rare opportunity to acquire a Twin Bonanza of uncommon specification, provenance, and global recognition.

Technical Features & Avionics

The cockpit reflects a significant investment in modern capability, with approximately $170,000 in avionics delivering comprehensive IFR functionality and exceptional situational awareness.

At the heart of the panel is a Garmin G600 Primary Flight Display with synthetic vision and geo-referenced approach charts, complemented by a Garmin GTN 750 as the primary navigator and communicator. A Garmin GNC 255 serves as a capable backup NAV/COM, while a Garmin GTX 345 transponder provides full ADS-B In and Out, displaying traffic and weather directly on the G600 and GTN 750.

Audio duties are handled by a Garmin GMA 350c Bluetooth audio panel with Telligence voice control. Engine data is monitored via a JPI 790 engine analyzer with fuel totalizer, fully integrated with the GTN 750 for advanced fuel management and range planning.

Weather awareness is enhanced by a Bendix RDS82 color weather radar displayed on the G600, supplemented by a Garmin 796 portable with XM Weather and Radio. An S-TEC 55x coupled autopilot provides reliable workload reduction for long cross-country operations. Additional refinements include in-panel dual USB power.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior presents in 8/10 condition, with a high-gloss finish that reflects consistent care and regular use. Minor leading-edge marks are consistent with operational flying and appropriate for an aircraft of this stature and mission.

Inside, a 2017 interior refurbishment introduced new side panels, new five-layer 3/8-inch Baltic birch plywood floors, and new wool carpeting from SCS Interiors. Seating is configured for six, mounted on rails to allow flexible cabin arrangements. The cabin benefits from generous space and a sense of solidity that underscores the aircraft's military-influenced design philosophy.

Maintenance & Records

The airframe shows 6,437 total hours, with logbooks beginning in 1966 and earlier history reconstructed by Denver Stapleton Combs Aviation, the original dealer. The aircraft was continuously hangared in Farmington, New Mexico from 1966 to 2016, then in Broomfield, Colorado until 2023, and has been hangared in Germany since June 2024.

The most recent annual inspection was completed in June 2024. Pitot-static certification is due March 2025, and wing bolt compliance is due March 2028. Useful load is a notable 2,002 pounds (weighed January 2018).

Power is provided by supercharged Continental IGSO-480 engines. The right engine shows 1,296 hours since major overhaul and 987 hours since top overhaul, while the left engine shows 888 hours since major overhaul and 328 hours since top overhaul. Propellers are equipped with alcohol de-icing systems.

Ice protection is comprehensive, including pneumatic boots in excellent condition, dual redundant alcohol systems for propellers and windshield, induction ice protection, and dual heated pitot-static systems. Additional equipment includes Cleveland brakes, heavy-duty landing gear actuation, LED exterior lighting, a 230-gallon fuel system, built-in oxygen with four cannulas (supplemented by a portable system), Reiff engine preheat, and Bruce's aircraft cover with window inserts.

A substantial upgrade program completed in 2017 addressed avionics, instrumentation IRANs, fuel and vacuum systems, fire-sleeved hoses, oil coolers, interior refurbishment, and numerous system overhauls—demonstrating a philosophy of proactive, stewardship-minded maintenance.

Known items: An inoperative WX-1000 Stormscope and a minor leak in the built-in oxygen system.

The Perfect Airplane For

This H50 Twin Bonanza is ideally suited to the discerning collector or serious pilot who values rarity, engineering integrity, and real-world capability. It will appeal to those seeking a historically significant aircraft with true cross-country muscle, confident IFR and icing capability, and the intangible satisfaction of operating one of Beechcraft's most distinctive and over-engineered designs.

For the aviator who appreciates legacy, presence, and performance—and who understands that opportunities like this arise only rarely—this supercharged Twin Bonanza represents something genuinely special.