Story ID: 310
Latest Special-mission King Air Debuts in Paris
By: David Donald
Caption: The King Air 360-based aircraft builds on experience with the lighter multi-mission King Air 260
Word Count: 344
Textron Aviation’s newest Beechcraft King Air multi-mission demonstrator is making its international debut at the company’s pavilion during the Paris Air Show. The aircraft is based on the current King Air 360 version and is outfitted with extended-range fuel tanks, wing hardpoints installed in the factory, and a large cargo door. The latter allows the aircraft to be used for freight and air ambulance operations, as well as providing for the installation of large items of equipment.
King Air variants have been in use for a wide range of military and civilian special missions for decades, and the latest offering is able to be tailored to many roles, from aeromedical tasks through to aerial survey and maritime surveillance. A factory-installed option is an extended nose that can house a variety of sensors, including a retractable electro-optical/infrared sensor turret of up to 20 inches in diameter.
Introduced in 2020, the King Air 360 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6A-67 turboprop with dual oil coolers and autothrottle. Range, cruise speed, rate of climb, and hot-and-high performance are all improved compared with the earlier 350. An updated pressurization system lowers cabin air altitude by 10%, while for multi-mission tasks, the cockpit is compatible with night-vision imaging systems. Air ambulance versions have already been acquired by Greece and Peru.
Textron also markets a special-missions version of the lighter King Air 260, which has achieved a number of sales. The 260 forms the basis of the company’s T-54A aircraft for the U.S. Navy’s multi-engine training system requirement, which replaces the earlier Beechcraft T-44C Pegasus (based on the King Air 90). In April last year, Textron delivered the first two of up to 64 T-54As to the Navy.
An international version was launched last year at Farnborough and achieved its first major sale in January when selected by Canada for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Seven aircraft are to be supplied to SkyAlyne and KF Aero, which are managing FAcT. The first delivery is expected in 2028.