King Air

King Air
海上自衛隊 · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	King Air
Caption	A Beechcraft King Air 350i in flight
Type	Turboprop business aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Beechcraft (Raytheon/Textron Aviation)
First flight	January 20, 1964
Introduction	1964
Status	In production, in service
Primary user	United States Air Force (as C-12 Huron)
Produced	1964–present
Number built	7,600+ (all variants)
Unit cost	~$7.3 million (King Air 260, 2022)

King Air. The Beechcraft King Air is a highly successful line of American twin-turboprop business and utility aircraft manufactured by Beechcraft. First introduced in the mid-1960s, it has become one of the most popular and enduring turboprop aircraft in aviation history, with over 7,600 units delivered. The series is renowned for its reliability, versatility, and performance, serving in roles ranging from corporate transport and air ambulance services to military aviation and government operations worldwide.

History and development

The King Air's origins trace back to the early 1960s when Beechcraft, a subsidiary of Raytheon, sought to develop a pressurized twin-engine aircraft to compete in the growing business aviation market. The project, led by a team at the company's facility in Wichita, Kansas, evolved from the unpressurized Queen Air. The prototype, designated the Model 90, first flew on January 20, 1964, with FAA certification awarded later that year. Initial production was supported by a substantial order from the United States Army, which procured a version designated the U-21 Ute. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the success of the initial Model 90 spurred the development of larger and more powerful variants, including the Super King Air series, cementing its market dominance against competitors like the Cessna Conquest and Piper Cheyenne.

Design and variants

The King Air is a conventional low-wing monoplane with a semi-monocoque fuselage constructed primarily of aluminum alloy. It features a T-tail configuration, retractable tricycle landing gear, and is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engines driving Hartzell or McCauley constant-speed propellers. The pressurized cabin, a key selling point, typically accommodates between 6 and 15 passengers in various layouts. Major variant families include the original King Air 90 and 100 series, the larger and more powerful King Air 200 and Super King Air 300 series, and the modern King Air 350 series. Specialized models include the Model 1900 regional airliner, the military C-12 Huron, and the T-44 Pegasus trainer used by the United States Navy.

Operational history

Since its entry into service, the King Air has achieved an unparalleled operational footprint across civil, military, and government sectors globally. In civilian use, it is a staple of fractional ownership programs like NetJets and is widely employed for air charter, corporate travel, and medevac missions by operators such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Its military service is extensive; the United States Air Force, United States Army, and United States Navy have operated hundreds of C-12 and related variants for liaison, utility, and reconnaissance duties. Internationally, it serves with the Royal Air Force (as the Shadow R1), the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the Israeli Air Force. The aircraft's durability is evidenced by its continuous production for over six decades, with modern models like the King Air 260 and 360 remaining in high demand.

Specifications (representative model)

* **Model:** King Air 350i * **Crew:** 1–2 pilots * **Capacity:** 8–11 passengers (typical) * **Length:** 46 ft 8 in (14.22 m) * **Wingspan:** 57 ft 11 in (17.65 m) * **Height:** 14 ft 4 in (4.37 m) * **Empty weight:** 9,780 lb (4,436 kg) * **Max takeoff weight:** 15,000 lb (6,804 kg) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A turboprops, 1,050 shp (780 kW) each * **Propellers:** 4-bladed Hartzell constant-speed, fully feathering * **Maximum speed:** 312 knots (359 mph, 578 km/h) * **Cruise speed:** 300 knots (345 mph, 556 km/h) * **Range:** 1,806 nmi (2,078 mi, 3,345 km) * **Service ceiling:** 35,000 ft (10,700 m) * **Rate of climb:** 2,770 ft/min (14.1 m/s)

Operators

The King Air is operated by a vast array of entities worldwide. Major civil operators include FlightSafety International for pilot training, FedEx Feeder for cargo, and numerous air taxi and regional carriers. Prominent military and government operators beyond the U.S. services include the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Australian Defence Force, the French Navy, and the United Nations for various missions. It is also a common sight in the fleets of state police aviation units and agencies like the United States Forest Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The type's global support network, including maintenance centers operated by Textron Aviation and authorized service facilities on every continent, ensures its continued operational presence.

Category:Aircraft Category:Business aircraft Category:United States civil utility aircraft 1960–1969