Electric Air Conditioning Coming to King Air 360s

Textron Aviation will soon be equipping its production Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprop twins with an electrically driven air conditioning system. The Wichita airframer said deliveries of the type with the new system are expected to begin in the coming months.

“The new system for the King Air 360 represents our continued investment in an already iconic product,” said Textron Aviation senior v-p of sales and flight operations Lannie O’Bannion. “Last year, we brought all new interiors and enhancements to the cockpit, and now we are bringing more amenities and comfort to the passengers and crew ahead of each flight.”

Built into the structure of the aircraft, the system doesn’t affect cabin space. The system can operate without the aircraft engines running by plugging into a ground power unit, which reduces the environmental impact of engine emissions. It wasn’t immediately clear if the system will eventually be incorporated into the King Air 260.