Scaled Composites first flew an 85% scale proof-of-concept aircraft of the Beech Starship design in August 1983. N2000S (NC-1) was the first of three prototype Starship 1s and first flew on February 15, 1989. Beech used this aircraft for aerodynamic testing, the second for avionics and systems testing and the third for flight management system and engine testing. Retained by Beech / Raytheon, the registration of N2000S was later cancelled as "Destroyed". Two later Starships also carried this registration (NC-17 and NC-43).