Beech 18

The Beech 18 'Expeditor' G-BKGL was acquired from open storage at Perth Airport and put into ferryable condition for transit to Duxford where it was rebuilt by ARC. It was initially finished in dark-blue and grey US Navy colours and then in the lovely US Army Air Corps scheme of all silver with early war “meatball” stars and colourful fin striping. The interior was refurbished and the Pratt and Whitney radial engines, with Hamilton Standard propellers, were also rebuilt entirely 'in-house' by ARCo.

It was utilised for training purposes in connection with the operation and flying training conversion of pilots for the ARC operated Blenheim aircraft, being of similar size and performance. It has also seen regular use as a “camera ship” aircraft and was recently featured in “Bomber Crew” on television.

Beech 18 History

Beech’s most successful airliner, more than 9000 Beech 18s were built between 1937 and 1969, of which 2000 were built postwar. While many of those were built against wartime military contracts, vast numbers went on to see civil service.

The prototype Beech 18 first flew on January 15th 1937. The design followed conventional design wisdom at the time, including twin radial engines, metal construction and taildragger undercarriage. While less common were the twin tail fins. Early production aircraft were either powered by two 225kW (300hp) Jacobs L6s or 260kW (350hp) Wright R760Es. The Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior became the definitive engine from the prewar C18S onwards.

The demands of World War 2 significantly boosted the already successful Beech 18’s fortunes, with 5000 built as C45’s for the US Army Air Force for use as transports and multi engine pilot trainers.

Postwar, large numbers of C45s entered civil service, while Beech resumed production of the C18S. Progressive development resulted in the D18S of 1946, the Continental powered D18C of 1947, the E18S of 1954, the G18S from 1959 and the H18 with optional tricycle undercarriage from 1962. Beech production ceased in 1969.

The Beech 18 has also been the subject of numerous conversions. Volpar has offered tricycle undercarriage conversions, conversions with TPE331 turboprops and stretched and TPE331 powered conversions ( described in the specifications above). Hamilton meanwhile converted Beech 18s as Westwinds with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprops and also offered stretches.