Duke B60 vs 310R
The Duke B60 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Beechcraft / Textron Aviation Duke B60 (introduced 1974) and the Cessna / Textron Aviation 310R (introduced 1975) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Duke B60 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Duke B60 vs 310R: the key differences
- The Duke B60 delivers 35% more range (Duke B60: 1,080 nm; 310R: 800 nm).
- The Duke B60 delivers 15% more cruise speed (Duke B60: 220 kt; 310R: 191 kt).
- The Duke B60 and 310R are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 6 seats.
- The 310R is the newer design (introduced 1975 versus 1974 for the Duke B60), a gap of 1 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Duke B60 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,775 lbs versus 5,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Duke B60 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,080 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 310R, at 800 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 310R's range, the Duke B60's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Duke B60 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 310R can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
Duke B60 vs 310R: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Duke B60 or the 310R?
The Duke B60 has the longer published range — 1,080 nm versus 800 nm for the 310R.
Which is faster, the Duke B60 or the 310R?
The Duke B60 cruises faster, at 220 kt versus 191 kt for the 310R.
Which is newer, the Duke B60 or the 310R?
The 310R is the newer design, introduced in 1975 versus 1974 for the Duke B60.
Is the Duke B60 or the 310R the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Duke B60 is the larger aircraft — 6,775 lbs versus 5,500 lbs for the 310R.
Should I buy the Duke B60 or the 310R?
On published specifications the Duke B60 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 310R can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the Duke B60 vs 310R?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.