Beechcraft has announced upgrades to its King Air range at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Miami.
The mid-range King Air 250 now has a factory option that increases the maximum take-off weight to 6087 kg, and the smaller C90GTx has been modified to improve its short-field performance.
By increasing the 250’s maximum ramp weight to 6128 kg, the modification takes the cabin payload with full fuel to 464 kg. Aircraft with this option are certified in the commuter category, and include safety systems such as engine fire extinguisher and illuminated escape path floor markings.
“This is an important upgrade that many of our King Air 250 owners have been asking for, especially our special mission operators who want more capacity to carry heavy equipment or operators who want more range with increased passengers and baggage,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Turboprop Aircraft.
“Having the option to fill the King Air 250 with full fuel and still get more than 1,000 pounds of payload is a great addition to an airplane that has been exceptionally popular in every corner of the world.”
The latest model of the C90GTx will contain new standard features that improve take-off and landing distances, handling characteristics and enhanced passenger comfort.
Beechcraft has incorporated Raisbeck Engineering’s performance enhancements consisting of swept-blade propellers and dual aft body strakes.
The new King Air C90GTx features the Hartzell swept-blade turbofan propeller with a 30o blade sweep and 96-inch diameter blades. The propeller provides more take-off and climb thrust and reduces cockpit noise The aircraft’s take-off distance has been reduced by 23% from 784 m to 604 m. Slower approach speeds provide a 10% shorter landing distances over a 50-foot obstacle from 731 m to 658 m.
“This is the latest in a long series of continuous enhancements we have introduced to the King Air 90 series," Tannahill explains. "The new Beechcraft King Air C90GTx looks stunning on the ramp and performs like no other.
“The most significant of the changes is shortening the take-off distance by nearly 600 feet (182 metres), opening up more airports and getting our owners closer to their final destination.”