Story ID: 
Beech stretches King Air’s legs
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Hawker Beechcraft has obtained FAA certification for the King Air 350ER (ER for extended range), which adds nacelle fuel tanks to raise the aircraft’s fuel
Word Count: 129
Hawker Beechcraft has obtained FAA certification for the King Air 350ER (ER for extended range), which adds nacelle fuel tanks to raise the aircraft’s fuel capacity to 775 gallons and its max range to 2,570 nm, an increase of more than 1,000 nm over a standard King Air 350. According to the Wichita-based airframer, the twin turboprop now has more than eight hours’ endurance and the flexibility to fly low and slow or cruise at 300 knots at 35,000 feet. The 350ER features beefed-up landing gear to handle the airplane’s max takeoff weight, increased to 16,500 pounds from 15,000. Hawker Beechcraft expects the 350ER to sell for $6.81 million, not including mission-specific equipment. Among the early customers is the Iraqi Air Force, which has ordered five of the aircraft for use in surveillance and reconnaissance missions.