Development of the Beechcraft Model 77

The Model 77 Skipper is the result of an intensive development program to develop an economical and efficient two-place general aviation trainer. The program was initiated as a flying test bed program which allowed great freedom for Engineering evaluation of various aerodynamic, structural and mechanical concepts. This included the evaluation of different types of tail surfaces, high lift and lateral control devices, engines, propellers, etc. Along with the test bed, other tests were run with radio-controlled free flight and spin tunnel models. The test bed program was followed by the production engineering, testing and certification of the chosen production configuration.