About the BEECHCRAFT KING AIR 350ER
The Beechcraft King Air B300, also known as the King Air 350, is a prominent model within the King Air line of twin-turboprop aircraft, manufactured by Beechcraft, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation. The King Air series, first introduced in the 1960s, has seen several iterations, with the B300 model officially introduced in 1988 as a development of the King Air 200 series.
One of the primary motivations behind the development of the B300 was the need for an aircraft that could serve various roles while offering superior performance, reliability, and operating economics compared to existing models. The King Air family is renowned for its versatility, serving in roles ranging from executive transport and air ambulance to cargo hauling and military use. The B300, in particular, targeted customers looking for a larger cabin, longer range, and better fuel efficiency than its predecessors.
Key Features and Capabilities
The King Air B300 features an extended wingspan, higher maximum takeoff weight, and more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines, each offering 1,050 shaft horsepower. These enhancements allow the B300 to achieve a maximum cruise speed of around 312 knots and a range of approximately 1,800 nautical miles. The aircraft can operate from shorter runways, making it suitable for operations at smaller, regional airports.
The cabin of the King Air 350 is designed for comfort and versatility, capable of accommodating up to eleven passengers in a variety of seating configurations. This flexibility, combined with its ability to perform in various environments, has made the B300 a popular choice among corporate operators, government agencies, and special mission operators.
Market Position and Use Cases
Over the years, the B300 has continued to benefit from advancements in avionics and aerodynamics, maintaining its status as a leading aircraft in the turboprop category. The Pro Line Fusion avionics suite is one such advancement, offering pilots enhanced situational awareness and operational efficiency. The Beechcraft King Air B300 remains a testament to Beechcraft's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction in the general aviation market.