About the BEECH 200
The Beechcraft King Air 200, a part of the illustrious King Air family, is a twin-turboprop general aviation aircraft that has left an indelible mark on the aviation industry since its introduction. The King Air series, produced by Beechcraft, took flight for the first time in the mid-1960s, with the King Air 200 variant being introduced in 1974 as an evolutionary upgrade over its predecessor, the King Air 100.
The motivation behind the development of the King Air 200 was to meet the growing demand for a more capable and efficient turboprop aircraft that could serve both corporate and utility functions. The King Air 200 featured several enhancements over the previous models, including a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-41 engines, which offered better performance characteristics, especially at higher altitudes. This variant also introduced a T-tail design, which improved aerodynamics and overall stability.
Key Features and Capabilities
The King Air 200 found its niche in various sectors due to its versatility, reliability, and performance. It garnered popularity among corporate flight departments, government agencies, and air ambulance services. Its ability to operate from shorter runways, fly at relatively high speeds, and carry substantial payloads made it a preferred choice for missions that required a blend of utility and comfort.
One of the significant benefits of the King Air 200 is its spacious, pressurized cabin, which can be configured for various uses, from executive seating to medevac interiors. The aircraft's range of approximately 1,800 nautical miles and cruising speed of around 300 knots provided operators with flexible options for medium-haul flights.
Market Position and Use Cases
Over the years, the King Air 200 line has seen continuous improvements through various sub-models, such as the B200 and B200GT, incorporating advancements in avionics, performance, and passenger comfort. With its enduring design and operational efficiency, the King Air 200 remains a testament to Beechcraft's commitment to innovation in general aviation.