BEECHCRAFT SPORT 150

Primarily designed as a two-place trainer, the Sport III was introduced in 1965 along with the Super III as a complement to the existing Musketeer A23/Custom III. It was powered by a 150 hp Lycoming engine turning a fixed-pitch prop and could be outfitted with an optional rear seat for two additional passengers but not without a loss in maximum range. With four adults (and no baggage aboard) the range was reduced by more than half due to fuel weight limitations. The Sport III was also available in an aerobatic version. Like all Musketeers, the Sport made use of a honeycomb wing structure and bonded skins that reduce 01-Single rivet-head drag and add to the plane's sleek appearance. In 1972, Beech changed the names of its other Musketeers but retained the Sport. The term Musketeer was dropped and the line of light Beechcrafts was known as the Aero Center line. Later, fuel capacity in all models was increased by five gallons and for the first time all three Aero Center models could be equipped with EdoAire Mitchell Century III autopilots. In 1979, this 150 hp version of the original Musketeer design was replaced by the Skipper 77 as Beechcraft's trainer model in its Aero Center line.