Volpar Inc. was founded in 1960 in California to market in kit form a tricycle landing gear modification for all models of the Beech 18. The kit, which was designed by Thorp Engineering, required the minimum of modifications to the airframe. This installation offered substantially slower approach speeds and easier ground handling. Cruising speed was also improved as all three wheels were completely retracted. The main gear was moved 4’0" (1.22m) aft of the original position and the completely new nose assembly included a streamlined nose fairing which added 2’4"(0.71m) to the fuselage length. The first example of this Volpar / Beech 18 Trigear was first flown in 1960 and several hundred conversions are thought to have been made. This led to the Volpar Super Turbo 18 which was the Trigear fitted with Garrett turboprops. Several examples of the Super Turbo 18 remain active.

N5653D                  c/n BA-385                     USA

10 seat light transport first flown in 1964