Presentation of the Baron 58
At the Carcassonne air show, Mikaël Brageot will be flying his Baron 58 Aerobatic for two days. Mikaël Brageot, 36, is a French aerobatic pilot from Lot-et-Garonne. He took his first flight lessons at age 11. A European Aerobatic Champion and high-speed pilot, he participated in the Red Bull Air Race, a world championship sponsored by the International Aeronautical Federation. In this time-trial, low-altitude (less than 20 meters) race, pilots aim to go as fast as possible, sometimes reaching 350 km/h in aerial slaloms marked by air-filled pylons. An impressive, breathtaking spectacle. Mikaël Brageot was the youngest pilot to fly for the French national aerobatic team and won the European championships.
With his Beechcraft 55 Baron, an American twin-engine business aircraft, Mikaël Brageot has been offering a unique aerobatic performance in France for two years. He spent two years developing this demanding project, transforming an iconic 1960s aircraft into an air show star. The prototype first flew in February 1960, powered by two 260 hp Continental engines. Among the various versions, the Model 55 was produced in 3,714 units between 1960 and 1969 before being replaced by the Model 58.
Two Years of Transformation
Mika Brageot started by consulting with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) for a preliminary study and the selection of the Beech Baron due to known aerobatic procedures in the USA and possible evacuation via the wing's upper surface.
The DGAC relied on the expertise of DGA-Essais en vol (at Istres) with minor modifications, without altering the structure: accelerometers on the dashboard with load factor recorders, 5-point harness, and a seat adapted for a safety parachute. A calculation dossier was compiled by Air Projet (Dijon-Darois), considering increased safety margins by reducing the aircraft's weight during maneuvers, allowing up to 4.9 g.
Istres hosted a flight test program conducted by pilot Anthony Renoult and engineer Marc Chevallier. In 17 flight hours, all possible failure scenarios were reviewed, including engine failure, with the left engine being the "critical" engine on this type of twin-engine, especially during a loop when the trajectory is near-vertical and speed is significantly reduced. Maximum and minimum entry speeds for aerobatic maneuvers were determined to develop a program, including loops, rolls, reversals, and more. The entire program is performed at 3.5 to 3.6 g on the accelerometer.
Smoke systems were added by Air Projet, Adrien Paviot decorated the twin-engine, and the Aerostyll workshop painted it. Mikaël Brageot offers an aerobatic sequence performed to music, which has delighted audiences at the few air shows he has participated in. Now it's the turn of the spectators in Carcassonne to enjoy it on September 21 and 22!
Specifications
| motorization | |
| Engine | 2x Continental IO-520-C |
| Power | 2x 285 ch |
| Dimensions | |
| Wingspan | 11,53 m |
| Length | 8,61 m |
| Height | 2,92 m |
| Wing area | 18,5 m2 |
| Weights | |
| Empty weight | 1 372 kg |
| Maximum weight | 2 405 kg |
| Performance | |
| Cruise speed | 370 km/h |
| Max cruise speed | 390 km/h |
| Ceiling | 6 370 m |
| Climb rate | 8,5 m/s |
| Range | 1 840 km |
