TEXTRON AVIATION recently launched the latest evolution of its popular twin-turboprop model—the BEECHCRAFT KING AIR.
Ask any business aviation turboprop enthusiast to name the best aircraft in the category, and you’ll inevitably hear the name Beechcraft. And for good reason. Beechcraft turboprops represent some of the most versatile and most iconic aircraft in the history of aviation. Now, Textron Aviation is ushering in the next generation of the legendary Beechcraft King Air turboprop family with the updated and upgraded King Air 360/360ER.
This aircraft represents the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and exceptional engineering. Cabin improvements bring an elevated level of comfort for passengers, while a collection of intuitive cockpit features and updates provide a reduced pilot workload for crew.
“The Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprop builds on decades of renowned versatility and reliability in the King Air family, and this upgrade further elevates it with the aircraft’s superior features and engineering advancements designed to create an enhanced flying experience for passengers and crew alike,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “The aircraft is a result of our extensive conversations with our turboprop customers worldwide as we continually increase innovation and next-generation capability to help them achieve their varied missions with greater comfort, technology and ease.”
Making flying easier and more efficient for pilots was a critical goal for the engineering team, which is why some of the major updates can be found in the cockpit. The King Air 360 aircraft reduces pilot workload with updated standard features such as the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle. This advanced technology supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people and cargo efficiently by automatically managing engine power from the takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, go-around and landing phases of flight. It’s a significant update for an aircraft that is already celebrated for its performance.
Pilots and passengers alike can attest to the fact that the King Air turboprop has always had a reputation for being an aircraft capable of carrying a full payload with maximum efficiency. The latest iteration definitely lives up to that standard. With seating for up to nine passengers in the cabin, the King Air 360 turboprop offers an even greater passenger experience than its predecessor.
“We created an environment that provides passengers with a greater sense of openness inside the cabin of the King Air turboprop,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president of Customer Experience. “The cabin experience is such a critical element when choosing an aircraft, and it was important for us to surpass customer expectations. Their journey will not only be comfortable, but also a relaxing, enjoyable experience. The Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprop offers many of the amenities that our customers desire.”
Inspired by contemporary design cues found in luxury SUVs, the Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprop sports an entirely redesigned cabin, including enhancements such as reshaped cabinetry, resculpted sidewalls and a new seat design. Another perk for buyers: you get to choose your own interior scheme. Currently, you can choose one of six new interior schemes along with a host of additional amenities like optional WiFi so you can live royally and be productive while setting off to your next destination. The aircraft also features a lower cabin altitude, which provides greater comfort for passengers, especially during longer flights.
The Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprop is currently in production with customer deliveries expected to begin in the Fall of 2020. As this aircraft starts rolling off the production line, the King Air family looks to continue its leadership in the business aviation turboprop category and remain the best-selling business turboprop in the world. If history is any indicator, we’re sure the King Air 360 turboprop will reign supreme.
