King Air

Beechcraft 2000

The King Air line of aircraft is comprised of a number of model series that fall into four families: the Model 90 series, Model 100 series, Model 200 series, and Model 300 series. Production of the Beechcraft Super King Air family (Model 200 and 300) began in 1972 and is still currently active. Several variants of the original SuperKing Air design exist, including the updated King Air B200.

The King Air B200 was equipped with PT6A-42 engines rated at 850 shp, as well as increased maximum pressurization to 6.5 psi. The 3-bladed Hartzell propeller of the original B200 model was replaced with a 3-bladed McCauley prop. Other modifications include the installation of a hydraulic ram powered revised landing gear retraction mechanism. In 1995, Beechcraft developed a variant of the Model B200, the B200SE Super King Air, with Electronic Flight Instrument System avionics. Other variants to the original B200 include the B200T, B200C, and B200GT with new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engines for higher altitudes.

A total of 1,157 King Air B200 aircraft have been built as of 2009, and the model remains in production. This model is largely operated as an air ambulance and military aircraft, with owners including the United States, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, and the Royal Air Force.