View source for Beechcraft King Air

{{short description|Twin engine turboprop aircraft family}}
{{about|the Model 90 and 100 Series|the Model 200 and 300 Series|Beechcraft Super King Air}}
{{redirect|BE10|the isotope <sup>10</sup>Be|Beryllium-10|the NUTS II statistical region|Brussels}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox aircraft
  |name= King Air
  |image= File:Tc-90 04l.jpg
  |caption= C90 King Air in Japanese military service
  |type= Civil utility aircraft
  |national_origin= United States
  |manufacturer= [[Beechcraft]]
  |designer=
  |first_flight= May 15, 1963 (Model 87) <br/> January 24, 1964 (Model 65-90)
  |introduction= September 9, 1964
  |retired=
  |status= Active service
  |primary_user = [[United States Army]]
  |more_users= [[United States Navy]] <br>[[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] <br> [[Philippine Navy]]
  |produced= 1964–2021<ref name=8Mar21AIN>{{cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-03-08/textron-aviations-king-air-90-citation-sovereign-end-their-rule|title=Textron Aviation's King Air 90, Citation Sovereign End Their Rule|last=Siebenmark|first=Jerry|website=ainonline.com|date=March 8, 2021|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309050813/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-03-08/textron-aviations-king-air-90-citation-sovereign-end-their-rule|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2022|reason=[[WP:AV/R]] concerns regarding Aviation International News and publication of unvetted sponsored content}}
  |number_built= 3,370<ref name=BeechSNlist>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=Beechcraft and Hawker Serialization List: 1945 thru 2023 |url=https://ww2.txtav.com/TechnicalPublications/Downloads/DownloadNonTechFile?Filename=serializationList.pdf |url-access=registration |website=[[Textron Aviation]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Simpson |first=R.W. |title=Airlife's General Aviation: A guide to Postwar General Aviation Manufacturers and their aircraft |publisher=Airlife Publishing |year=1995 |isbn=1-85310-577-5 |edition=2nd |pages=76}}</ref><!-- Not including the A100-1, which is part of the Super King Air family, or the incomplete D90 prototype.  Construction number count: 247 B-series, 137 BE-series, 236 LA-series, 1 LG-series, 2179 LJ-series, 61 LL-series, 141 LM-series, 3 LS-series, 2 LT-series, 16 LU-series, 347 LW-series.  Conversion-only BF and LE-series not counted. -->
  |developed_from = [[Beechcraft Queen Air]]
  |variants= [[Beechcraft Super King Air]]
}}

The '''Beechcraft King Air''' is a line of American [[utility aircraft]] produced by [[Beechcraft]]. The King Air line comprises a number of twin-[[turboprop]] models that have been divided into two families. The Model 90 and 100 series developed in the 1960s are known as King Airs, while the later [[T-tail]] Model 200 and 300 series were originally [[marketing|marketed]] as [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Super King Airs]], with the name "Super" being dropped by Beechcraft in 1996 (although it is still often used to differentiate the 200 and 300 series King Airs from their smaller stablemates).

The King Air was the first aircraft in its class and was produced continuously from 1964 to 2021. It outsold all of its turboprop competitors combined. It has recently faced competition from jet aircraft such as the [[Embraer Phenom 100]], [[Honda HA-420 HondaJet]] and [[Cessna Citation Mustang]]; as well as from newer turboprop aircraft including the [[Piaggio P180 Avanti]], and single-engine [[Piper Malibu Meridian]], [[Pilatus PC-12]], and [[Socata TBM]].

==Development==
[[File:Be-e90-070323-a radecki-03.jpg|thumb|right|An E90 King Air taxis at the [[Mojave Spaceport]]]]
[[File:KingAirC90AtCentennial.jpg|thumb|right|A King Air C90 at [[Centennial Airport]]]]
[[File:Beech F90 of Guatemalan Air Force at Guatemala City,Guatemala (7018806851).jpg|thumb|A T-tail F90 of the Guatemalan Air Force]]

===Model 90 series===
[[File:N7BF King air B90.jpg|thumb|King Air B90 at [[Piedmont Triad International Airport]]]]
The Model 90 King Air was conceived as the '''Model 120''' in 1961.  In its original planned configuration, the Model 120 was to have been powered by two {{Convert|917|shp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Turbomeca Bastan|Turbomeca Bastan VI]] engines.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ball |first=Larry A. |title=The Immortal Twin Beech |publisher=Ball Publications |year=1995 |isbn=0-9641514-2-1 |pages=181}}</ref>  On May 15, 1963, Beechcraft began test flights of the proof-of-concept '''Model 87''', a modified [[Beechcraft Queen Air|Queen Air]] with [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6]]A-6 engines. On July 14, Beech announced a new type, and a month later began accepting orders for the "King Air", with deliveries to commence in Autumn 1964.<ref>[http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/legacy/article.asp?id=346 "Beech King Air timeline."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203013943/http://wingsoverkansas.com/legacy/article.asp?id=346 |date=December 3, 2010 }} ''wingsoverkansas.com.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> On January 24, 1964, the first definitive prototype, by now designated '''Model 65-90''' and also fitted with PT6A-6 engines,<ref>Harding 1997, p. 22</ref> flew for the first time. After 10 months of test flying, in 1964 the Model 87 was delivered to the [[United States Army]] as the NU-8F. The first production aircraft was delivered on October 8, and by the end of the month, 152 aircraft had been ordered;<ref>Green, William. "Beech 65-90 King Air", ''The Observer's Book of Aircraft'', 1965 Edition. Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd., London. No ISBN, Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 57-4425.</ref> by year's end, seven had been built.<ref name="HBPL"/>

In 1966, after 112 65-90s were completed,<ref name="HBPL"/> production switched to the '''Model 65-A90''' with PT6A-20 engines. As a measure of the type's popularity, 206 65-A90s were built in less than two years when production switched to the '''Model B90''', the first of these rolling off the production line in 1968.<ref name="HBPL"/> Military versions built during these years included the '''65-A90-1''', '''65-A90-2''', '''65-A90-3''', and '''65-A90-4''', all being unpressurised models based on the Model 87. These were produced for the US Army which designated them U-21s of various sub-models; many were fitted out for electronic battlefield surveillance. A total of 162 of these were built between 1967 and 1971.<ref>Jackson 2004, pp. 531–532.</ref>

A total of 184 B90 models were produced before the '''Model C90''' was introduced in 1971,<ref name="HBPL"/> with wingspan increased over earlier models by {{convert|4|ft|11|in|m|abbr=on}} to 50&nbsp;ft 3 in (15.32 m), Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) increased by {{convert|350|lb|abbr=on}} to 9,650&nbsp;lb (4,378&nbsp;kg), and PT6A-20A engines. The broadly similar '''Model E90''' was introduced the following year, with PT6A-28 engines; the two were produced in parallel. Further refinement of the 90 series resulted in the '''Model F90''' and follow-on '''Model F90-1'''. The F-models featured the T-tail of the '''Model 200 King Air''' mated to the fuselage and wings of the E90, with PT6A-135 engines of 750 shp (560&nbsp;kW) driving four-bladed propellers. The F90 prototype flew on January 16, 1978, and 203 production versions followed between 1979 and 1983, when the F90 was superseded by the F90-1.<ref name="HBPL"/> The F90 prototype was re-engined with [[Garrett AiResearch TPE-331]] engines to test the feasibility of a '''Model G90''', but this model was not put into production.

The '''Model C90-1''' entered production in 1982 after 507 C90s and 347 E90s had been built,<ref name="HBPL"/> and featured PT6A-21 engines and improvements to the pressurization system. 54 were built.<ref name="HBPL"/><ref>Simpson 1991, p. 47.</ref> The following year the F90-1 was put into production with redesigned engine cowlings, upgraded PT6A-135A engines, hydraulic landing gear, and triple-fed electrical bus; only 33 were built by the time production terminated in 1985.<ref name="HBPL"/> The C90-1 was soon followed by the '''Model C90A''', which featured the redesigned engine cowlings of the F90-1. The C90A received an increase in MTOW in 1987, being certified to 10,100&nbsp;lb (4,580&nbsp;kg). The C90A model was in production until 1992, by which time 235 had been built, all but 74 with the increased MTOW.

Only two C90As were built in 1992, the '''Model C90B''' followed that year with airframe improvements, four-bladed propellers, and propeller synchrophasing,<ref>A system fitted to many twin-engined propeller-driven aircraft, it matches propeller revolutions-per-minute and also "phases" the position of the blades of each propeller relative to the other, so the cabin noise is more even.</ref> all in an effort to reduce cabin noise. This model also had PT6A-21s; the first production C90B was fitted with the 10,000th PT6 engine delivered to Beechcraft. In 1994 a cheaper version was introduced as the '''C90SE''' (Special Edition), with three-bladed propellers, standardised interior and mechanical instruments instead of the [[Electronic Flight Instrument System]] (EFIS) fitted to the C90B.<ref name="NZ"/> A total of 456 C90Bs and C90SEs were delivered by the time production of these models ended in late 2005.<ref name="HBPL"/>

In July 2005, during the [[Oshkosh Airshow]], Beechcraft introduced the '''C90GT'''. The C90GT was fitted with {{convert|750|shp|abbr=on}} PT6A-135As, [[flat rated]] to the same {{convert|550|shp|abbr=on}} as the earlier King Airs. This engine change increased performance due to lower operating temperatures, improving both cruise speed and climb rate. With a 275 kt (509&nbsp;km/h, 316&nbsp;mph) cruise speed, the C90GT was highly competitive with the new generation of [[Very Light Jet]]s over short to medium distances, while providing a larger and more luxurious cabin. C90GT deliveries commenced at the beginning of 2006.<ref name="HBPL"/> On May 21, 2007, during the 7th Annual '''European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition''' in [[Geneva]], Beechcraft announced the '''Model C90GTi''' updated version of the C90GT,<ref>[http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=7896 "C90GT."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823111659/http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=7896 |date=August 23, 2009 }} ''Hawker Beechcraft Press Release.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> featuring the '''[[Rockwell Collins]] Proline 21''' [[avionics]] package previously only offered for the B200 and B300 King Airs. Deliveries commenced in 2008 after 97 C90GTs were delivered to customers over the previous two years.<ref name="HBPL">[http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/service_support/pubs/docs/nontechnical/serializationList.pdf "Hawker Beechcraft aircraft Serial Number Lists 1945–2008."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411082140/http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/service_support/pubs/docs/nontechnical/serializationList.pdf |date=April 11, 2009 }} ''Hawker Beechcraft.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> In 2015, the '''C90GTx''' was introduced with additional upgrades. In 2019, the C90 unit cost was [[United States dollar|US$]]2.75M, and the $4.2M (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=4200000|start_year=2019}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) for the C90GTi.<ref name=BCA-2019>{{cite magazine |url= https://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/datasheets/gated/BCA_201906.pdf |title= Purchase Planning Handbook |magazine= Business & Commercial Aviation |date= June 2019 |publisher= Aviation Week Network |url-access= subscription |access-date= July 18, 2019 |archive-date= May 10, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200510235519/https://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/datasheets/gated/BCA_201906.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref>

In March 2021, Beechcraft discontinued the C90GTx, thus ending the Model 90 production run. [[Textron]], Beechcraft's parent company, stated that it intends to support the existing 90 series fleet indefinitely given the large number of aircraft being actively operated.<ref>{{cite web |last=Horne |first=Thomas A. |url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2021/march/10/textron-ends-c90gtx-sovereign-lines |title=Textron Ends C90GTx, Sovereign Lines |publisher=Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association |website=aopa.org |date=March 10, 2021 |access-date=November 14, 2022}}</ref>

On 2 July 2024, SmartSky announced the issuance of an [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]] Supplemental Type Certificate for their SmartSky LITE inflight WiFi system on the [[Beechcraft Super King Air|King Air 350i]] aircraft. This certificate allows for the installation of the award-winning WiFi system across various King Air models, encompassing over 2,000 aircraft currently in operation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-02 |title=SmartSky receives STC for King Air B200 through 360 |url=https://www.globalair.com/articles/smartsky-receives-stc-for-king-air-b200-through-360?id=7632 |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Globalair.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Model 100 series===
[[File:N350TJ.JPG|thumb|A Model B100 King Air with Garrett engines]]
[[File:TC-90-6819.JPG|thumb|right|[[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] TC-90]]
The '''Model 100''' is a stretched derivative of the Model 90 featuring five cabin windows instead of the Model 90's three; MTOW increased by 1,300&nbsp;lb (590&nbsp;kg) over the 90, to 10,600&nbsp;lb (4,810&nbsp;kg). The 100 used the wings, tail, and engines (two PT6A-28 engines, although rated at 680 shp)<ref>{{cite book|title=Beech King Air 100 Pilot's Operating Manual|date=July 1, 1969|publisher=Raytheon Aircraft Company|page=1}}</ref> from the [[Beechcraft Model 99|Model 99]] airliner, itself a development of the Queen Air (as was the Model 90).

The Model 100 was flown for the first time on March 17, 1969, and unveiled to the public in May. A total of 89 Model 100s were built before it was superseded by the '''Model A100''' in 1972, with a further increase in MTOW to 11,500&nbsp;lb (5,220&nbsp;kg), fuel capacity increased by {{convert|94|USgal|L}}, and four-bladed propellers.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=AOPA Pilot|date=June 2014|title=King Air A100|page=T-2}}</ref> A total of 157 A100s were built by the time production of this model ceased in 1979. The next in the series was the '''B100''', which featured {{convert|715|shp|abbr=on}} Garrett AiResearch TPE-331 engines as an alternative to the Pratt & Whitneys offered on other King Airs, and another increase in MTOW to 11,800&nbsp;lb (5,350&nbsp;kg). The B100 was introduced in 1976 and was produced concurrently with the A100 for several years; manufacture ceased in 1983 after 137 were built. The [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Model 200 Super King Air]] was developed from the Model 100, with the same fuselage design being used for both models (with some differences, mainly associated with the different tails). The Model 200 had different wings and a T-tail and entered service in 1974.

===Military King Air versions===
====Japan====
The [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] (JMSDF) has operated a total of 40 C90 and C90A King Airs, with deliveries beginning in 1973. These have been given various designations by the JMSDF and consist of 34 '''TC-90''' trainers, five '''LC-90''' transports and a single '''UC-90''' which is configured for photographic aerial survey. The TC-90s and the UC-90 are operated by the [[202nd Naval Air Training Squadron (JMSDF)]] based at [[Tokushima Airport|Tokushima Air Base]], while the LC-90s are attached to various Lockheed P-3 ''Kokutai'' (Squadrons) and [[Air Transport Squadron 61 (JMSDF)|Air Transport Squadron 61]]<ref>[http://www.scramble.nl/jp.htm "Japan Maritime Defense Force Order of Battle."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403015922/http://www.scramble.nl/jp.htm |date=April 3, 2007 }} ''scramble.nl.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> as liaison aircraft. In late 2005 the JMSDF marked 500,000 accident-free flying hours of the TC-90 trainer fleet. Philippine maintenance staff will also be trained.<ref>[http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=3243 "TC-90."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825230609/http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=3243 |date=August 25, 2009 }} ''Hawker Beechcraft Press Release.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref>

The JMSDF made plans to lease at least five TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines to conduct maritime patrols.<ref>[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/02/28/national/japan-to-supply-philippines-with-military-equipment/ Japan to supply Philippines with military equipment February 28, 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302203828/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/02/28/national/japan-to-supply-philippines-with-military-equipment/ |date=March 2, 2017 }} ''[[Japan Times]]'' Retrieved March 2, 2017</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-philippines-idUSKCN0WB0TL Philippines to lease planes from Japan to patrol disputed sea March 9, 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930175307/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-philippines-idUSKCN0WB0TL |date=September 30, 2017 }} ''[[Reuters]]'' Retrieved March 2, 2017</ref><ref>Dancel, Raul [http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/japan-leasing-5-military-aircraft-to-philippines Japan leasing 5 military aircraft to Philippines May 4, 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302194555/http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/japan-leasing-5-military-aircraft-to-philippines |date=March 2, 2017 }} ''[[Straits Times]]'' Retrieved February 2, 2017</ref><ref>Laude, Jaime [http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/10/26/1637480/japan-lease-5-surveillance-aircraft-philippines Japan to lease 5 surveillance aircraft to Philippines October 26, 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302200103/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/10/26/1637480/japan-lease-5-surveillance-aircraft-philippines |date=March 2, 2017 }} ''[[Philippine Star]]'' Retrieved March 2, 2017</ref> Two aircraft were transferred free of charge in March 2017.<ref name="flyteam">{{cite web |url=https://flyteam.jp/airline/japan-maritime-self-defense-force/news/article/87485 |title=村川海上幕僚長、フィリピン公式訪問で無償譲渡したTC-90を視察 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=November 30, 2017 |website=flyteam.jp |access-date=December 1, 2017 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081111/https://flyteam.jp/airline/japan-maritime-self-defense-force/news/article/87485 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> From November 2016 to November 2017 six [[Philippine Navy]] pilots were trained to fly the aircraft at [[Tokushima Airport]]. Maintenance staff are also being trained.<ref>[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/22/national/japan-train-philippine-naval-pilots-fly-tc-90-aircraft-lease-deal/ Japan to train Philippine naval pilots to fly TC-90 aircraft under lease deal November 22, 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303055805/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/22/national/japan-train-philippine-naval-pilots-fly-tc-90-aircraft-lease-deal/ |date=March 3, 2017 }} ''[[Japan Times]]'' Retrieved March 2, 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.ibtimes.ph/philippine-navy-first-japanese-aircraft-tc-90-arrive-philippines-2017-5310 Philippine Navy: First Japanese Aircraft TC-90 To Arrive In The Philippines In 2017 December 13, 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303122635/http://www.ibtimes.ph/philippine-navy-first-japanese-aircraft-tc-90-arrive-philippines-2017-5310 |date=March 3, 2017 }} ''[[International Business Times]]'' Retrieved March 2, 2017</ref><ref>Thompson, Paul [http://www.j-hangarspace.jp/bulletin-board Bulletin Board] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303050524/http://www.j-hangarspace.jp/bulletin-board |date=March 3, 2017 }} ''J-HangarSpace'' Retrieved March 2, 2017</ref> There are plans to transfer three more aircraft.<ref name="flyteam"/>

====United States====
[[File:T 44 4LR.jpg|thumb|right|US Navy T-44A Pegasus]]
[[File:Beechcraft U-21 Ute US Army.jpg|thumb|right|A [[United States Army|US Army]] U-21 Ute]]
The U.S. military has used King Air 90s in various roles, primarily VIP and liaison transport, with designations including the '''VC-6A''', the '''T-44 Pegasus''', and the '''U-21 Ute'''. The U-21 Ute used by the US Army was the most common version.

Most U-21s were unpressurized Model 87 derivatives, but there were also five U-21Fs based on the A100 King Air; and three U-21Js, which Beechcraft designated '''Model A100-1''', but were actually the first three production '''Model 200 Super King Airs''' (C/Ns BB-3, BB-4 and BB-5, after prototypes C/N BB-1 and BB-2 had been built). The majority of U-21s were delivered as U-21As (102 65-A90-1s), but there were also four RU-21As (65-A90-1s), three RU-21Bs (65-A90-2s), two RU-21Cs (65-A90-3s), 18 RU-21Ds (65-A90-1s), 16 RU-21Es (65-A90-4s), and 17 RU-21Gs (65-A90-1s). The RU-21Es (except one written off) were later converted to U-21Hs and RU-21Hs, with two U-21Hs and an RU-21H being further converted to JU-21Hs.<ref>Baugher, Joe. [http://www.joebaugher.com/1970.html "USAF FY1970 Serial Number list."]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''USAF Aircraft.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> In 1993, the three surviving RU-21As that remained in military service were retired and sent to JW Duff Aircraft Salvage in Denver Colorado. On November 14, 2015, one of aircraft, (67-18113) was donated by Dynamic Aviation to the 138th Aviation Company Memorial to restore the aircraft to be displayed at Orlando International Airport.<ref>Information derived from [http://www.138thavnco.org/RU21A-Memorial-Project.html ''LAASdata online.'' Retrieved: 11 June 2011.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108031204/http://www.138thavnco.org/RU21A-Memorial-Project.html |date=November 8, 2015 }}</ref> The majority of the U-21 series were retired in the second half of the 1990s and most are now owned by [[Dynamic Aviation]] of [[Bridgewater, Virginia]]. Some have been modified as spraying aircraft and are used on insect control work.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dynamicaviation.com/index.php/about-us/company-history/|title=Dynamic Aviation :: Company History|work=dynamicaviation.com|access-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301202300/http://www.dynamicaviation.com/index.php/about-us/company-history/|archive-date=March 1, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.landings.com/evird.acgi$pass*96746814!_h-www.landings.com/_landings/pages/search/search_nnr-serial.html  "LM- (the serial number prefix for A90-1 aircraft.")] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612080158/http://www.landings.com/evird.acgi$pass*96746814!_h-www.landings.com/_landings/pages/search/search_nnr-serial.html |date=June 12, 2011 }} ''Landings.com.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref>

The T-44A Pegasus is a trainer version, designated the '''Model H90''' by Beechcraft, used to train [[United States Navy]], [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]], and Air Force pilots to fly multi-engine aircraft. A total of 61 were delivered to the US Navy between 1977 and 1980. In August 2006, the Navy announced that after 29 years of operation, the T-44A fleet would be upgraded with modernized avionics systems, and redesignated T-44Cs.<ref>Vendrasco, Stephanie. [http://pao.navair.navy.mil/press_releases/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&Press_release_id=3557&site_id=23 "Transforming the Pegasus."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312122648/http://pao.navair.navy.mil/press_releases/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&Press_release_id=3557&site_id=23 |date=March 12, 2007 }} ''Navair.navy.mil.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref>

Two VC-6A aircraft were operated by the US military. One was a Model 65-A90 operated by the US Army and serialled 66-15361,<ref>Baugher, Joe. [http://www.joebaugher.com/1966.html "USAF FY1966 Serial Number list."]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''USAF Aircraft.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> the other a B90, designated as a VC-6A (66-7943), was operated by the [[United States Air Force]] and used by President Johnson. (See below.)

=====Air Force One=====
[[File:Beech VC-6A USAF.jpg|thumb|right|VC-6A used as Air Force One]]

During the administration of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Lyndon Johnson]], the [[United States Air Force]] acquired a Model B90 King Air "off-the-shelf". With the military designation '''VC-6A''', the aircraft, serialled 66-7943, was used to transport President Johnson between [[Bergstrom Air Force Base]] (near [[Austin, Texas]]) and the Johnson family ranch near [[Johnson City, Texas]]. When Johnson was aboard, the aircraft used the callsign [[Air Force One]]. After Johnson left office, the aircraft continued to serve in the [[89th Airlift Wing|89th Military Airlift Wing]] as a VIP transport until its retirement in 1985. This aircraft is now on display, with other presidential aircraft, at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] at [[Wright Patterson Air Force Base]] near [[Dayton, Ohio]].<ref name=AF1NMUSAF>{{cite web|title=Beech VC-6A|url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/MuseumExhibits/FactSheets/Display/tabid/509/Article/195809/beech-vc-6a.aspx|publisher=[[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]|access-date=October 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926145900/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/MuseumExhibits/FactSheets/Display/tabid/509/Article/195809/beech-vc-6a.aspx|archive-date=September 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Modification and upgrade programs===
[[File:N100TW.JPG|thumb|right|A B100 King Air modified with five-bladed propellers]]

A number of aftermarket modifications and upgrades are available for 90 and 100 Series King Airs.<ref name=CAT>[http://www.commuterair.com/stc.html "A non-comprehensive list of STCs available for King Air series aircraft>"] Retrieved: June 11, 2011.  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402000446/http://www.commuterair.com/stc.html |date=April 2, 2007 }}</ref> An engine upgrade involves earlier-build 90 Series aircraft being re-engined with the PT6A-135A engines of the C90GT.<ref>[http://www.silverhawk135.com "Silverhawk Upgrade NEW for King Air 200 and Conquest."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118011748/http://www.silverhawk135.com/ |date=November 18, 2008 }} ''Silverhawk Conversions.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.blackhawk.aero/BlackhawkXP.htm Blackhawk Modifications Inc. Blackhawk XP page] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230050924/http://www.blackhawk.aero/BlackhawkXP.htm |date=December 30, 2007 }} Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> A more radical re-engining program involves the replacement of the PT6s in C90 and E90 King Airs with TPE-331s.

[[File:CargoLiner 1.jpg|thumb|right|A King Air 90 with the full CargoLiner Conversion]]
Among the numerous airframe modifications available: a cargo conversion for the 90 model, the CargoLiner, which replaces the rear door with a large pallet accessible cargo door, a heavy duty floor structure and cabin cargo liner, also a crew hatch for cockpit access for the crew in the 90, 100, and 200;<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081107223543/http://www.aerocrafters.net/ "Cargoliner."]  ''aerocrafters.net.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> a Wing Front Spar Reinforcement Kit for both 90 and 100 Series aircraft,<ref name=CAT/> a modification for the entire King Air line that entails reworking and extending the nose<ref>[http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSTC.nsf/0/fdcd09c00de717d38625724b0076632a/$FILE/SA00367SE.pdf FAA STC No. SA00367SE] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227121918/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSTC.nsf/0/fdcd09c00de717d38625724b0076632a/%24FILE/SA00367SE.pdf |date=February 27, 2008 }} Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref> to house a baggage compartment as well as the avionics normally found in the noses of King Air aircraft. Modifications available for the King Air 100 include a belly cargo pod similar to those fitted to the Beech 99 and the Model 1300 version of the King Air 200 series.<ref>[http://www.commuterair.com/ka100a.html "King Air 100."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030180832/http://commuterair.com/ka100a.html |date=October 30, 2007 }} ''Commuter Air Technology.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref>

==Operators==
{{main|List of Beechcraft King Air operators}}

In addition to its use by military and government users, the King Air is also used by many non-governmental organizations, as well as by corporate and private users. This includes commercial use by air-taxi and air charter companies.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nextantpacific.com/uses/ | title=Are Beechcraft King Air planes mainly used as business jets? | publisher=Nextant Pacific | access-date=February 3, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203114747/http://www.nextantpacific.com/uses/ | archive-date=February 3, 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia]] previously operated a large number of 90 Series King Airs, but retired the last example in 2006, standardizing on the King Air 200 Series and the [[Pilatus PC-12]] for its fleet requirements.

==Accidents and incidents==
* On November 19, 1996, a Beechcraft King Air [[United Express Flight 5925|collided]] on a runway with a [[United Express]] 1900C at [[Quincy Regional Airport]] in Illinois, killing all 14 people on board both aircraft.<ref name="UEF">{{cite web|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR9704.pdf|title=NTSB Report: United Express Flight 5925}}</ref>
* On October 25, 2002, a Beechcraft A100 King Air crashed in [[Minnesota]], killing [[U.S. Senator]] [[Paul Wellstone]] and 7 others.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20021025-0 | title=ASN Aircraft accident Beechcraft A100 King Air N41BE Eveleth-Virginia Municipal Airport, MN (EVM) }}</ref>
* On January 19, 2017, a Beechcraft C90GT King Air crashed in [[Paraty]], [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil, killing [[Teori Zavascki]], the Minister of the Supreme Court of Brazil and 4 other people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fab.mil.br/noticias/mostra/31575/SEGURAN%C3%87A%20DE%20VOO%20%E2%80%93%20FAB%20divulga%20resultado%20de%20investiga%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20sobre%20acidente%20com%20aeronave%20PR-SOM|title=FAB divulga resultado de investigação sobre acidente com aeronave PR-SOM|date=22 January 2018|accessdate=30 July 2018|publisher=Força Aérea Brasileira|language=pt|archive-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730141634/http://fab.mil.br/noticias/mostra/31575/SEGURAN%C3%87A%20DE%20VOO%20%E2%80%93%20FAB%20divulga%20resultado%20de%20investiga%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20sobre%20acidente%20com%20aeronave%20PR-SOM|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.potter.net.br/media/rf/pt/PRSOM_POR_VERSION_FINAL.pdf|title= Relatório Final A-013/CENIPA/2017|date=16 January 2018|accessdate=30 July 2018|publisher= CENIPA}}</ref>
* On June 28, 2018, a Beechcraft King Air C90 [[2018 UY Aviation King Air C90 crash|crashed in a suburb of Mumbai, India]], killing all four aboard and one on the ground; three people sustained injuries.
* On November 5, 2021, a Beechcraft C90A King Air [[2021 Piedade de Caratinga Beechcraft King Air crash|crashed]] in [[Caratinga]], [[Minas Gerais]], Brazil, killing 3 passengers and 2 crew members, including Brazilian singer [[Marília Mendonça]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://g1.globo.com/google/amp/pop-arte/musica/noticia/2021/11/05/marilia-mendonca-morre-apos-queda-de-aviao-em-minas-gerais.ghtml|title=Marília Mendonça morre em queda de avião em Minas Gerais|date=November 5, 2021 }}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Beech T-44 Pegasus Bu 120112 b.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a T-44C Pegasus]]
A total of more than 3,100 King Air 90 and 100 series aircraft have been delivered as of August 2008:<ref>Unless otherwise noted, all information here is obtained from Production Lists in the book ''Beechcraft - Pursuit of Perfection'' and the online Production Lists available at [http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/ctowctry.php LAASdata.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913055522/http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/ctowctry.php |date=September 13, 2007 }}</ref>

===Beechcraft designations===
;Model 87
:"Proof-of-concept" test aircraft based on the Model A80 with PT6A-6 turboprops; one built.<ref name="simpson">Simpson 1991, pp. 47-49</ref>
;Model 65-90
:Based on the Model 88 with two PT6A-6 turboprops and a 9000lb Take Off Gross Weight (TOGW); 112 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;{{visible anchor|Model 65-A90}}
:Model 90 with TOGW increased to 9300lb, two 550shp PT6A-20 engines, redesigned flightdeck and a new engine de-ice system, 206 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model 65-A90-1
:Based on the Model 87, unpressurised with square windows and 550shp PT6A-20 engines, 141 built and delivered to the US Army with the designation U-21A.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model 65-A90-2
:Specialised electronic warfare variant of the A90-1 with five seats, three built as U-21Bs (later RU-21B).<ref name="simpson" />
;Model 65-A90-3
:Variant of the A90-2 with improved electronic equipment, two-built for the US Army with the designation RU-21C.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model 65-A90-4
:Project Guardrail variant of the A90-2, strengthened airframes and higher gross weight, 16 built for the US Army.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model B90
:based on the A90 with a 9650 TOGW, improved ailerons and increased wing span, improved instrumentation and pressurization and an extra side window, 184 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;{{Visible anchor|Model C90}}
:Based on the B90 but using the Model 100 cabin environment and pressurization system, 550shp PT6A-21 engines, 507 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model C90-1
:Improved C90 with an E90 tailplane and improved power output, increased maximum cabin pressure differential,<ref name="NZ">[http://www.caa.govt.nz/aircraft/Type_Acceptance_Reps/Beech_C90A.pdf New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority Beechcraft C90A Type Acceptance Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014225649/http://www.caa.govt.nz/aircraft/Type_Acceptance_Reps/Beech_C90A.pdf |date=October 14, 2008 }} retrieved December 9, 2008.</ref> 54 built in 1982 and 1983.<ref name="HBPL"/>
;{{Visible anchor|Model C90A}}
:Improved C90-1 improved landing gear retraction, improved electrical system and using F90-1 pressurization and heating system, 235 built between 1984 and 1992. Two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-21 reverse-flow, free-turbine turboprop engines; 550 shp each.<ref name="aopa.org">Horne, Thomas A. [http://www.aopa.org/pilot/features/2003/feat0305.html "Turbine Pilot: King Air C90B - Staying Power."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610112125/http://www.aopa.org/pilot/features/2003/feat0305.html |date=June 10, 2011 }} ''AOPA Pilot Magazine,'' May 2003,  Volume 46 / Number 5. Retrieved: August 19, 2010.</ref>
;{{Visible anchor|C90B and C90SE}}
:Marketing names for updated versions of C90A produced between 1992 and 2005, 456 built<ref>Due to disagreement between available online sources, it is impossible to determine the number of each sub-type built.</ref> B-model has Maximum Take-off Weight of 10 100&nbsp;lb (4585&nbsp;kg), quieter [[Hartzell Propeller|Hartzell]] four-blade, constant-speed, full-reversing 90-in diameter propellers and dynamic (passively resonating) vibration absorber (DVA) system. The King Air C90SE is the 'poor man’s' version of the Beech C90B with three-bladed props and “mechanical” instruments.<ref name="aopa.org"/>
;Model C90GT
:Version with PT6A-135A engines, 750 shp [[flat rated]] to 550 shp, for better climb and cruise performance, 97 built.<ref name="HBPL"/><ref>McClellan, J. Mac. [http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/turboprops/beechcraft-c90gt "Beechcraft C90GT."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413191236/http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/turboprops/beechcraft-c90gt |date=April 13, 2011 }} ''Flying Magazine''. Retrieved: August 19, 2010.</ref>
;Model C90GTi
:Variant of C90GT with "[[glass cockpit]]" Collins Proline 21 avionics suite; at least 90 built<ref name="HBPL"/><ref>The last King Air C90GTi built as of December 2008 is shown in the available online sources ([http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/turbo-by-type.php?t=8 LAASdata King Air 90 list] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713180238/http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/turbo-by-type.php?t=8 |date=July 13, 2011 }} and various nations' online civil aircraft Registers) as c/no. LJ-1946, however there are gaps for registered King Airs, with some above c/no. LJ-1900 not listed.</ref>
;Model C90GTx
:Marketing name for version of C90GTi introduced in 2010 with [[Wingtip device|winglets]] added as factory-standard, Maximum Take-off Weight increased to 10 485 lb (4756 kg) for better full-fuel payload flexibility.<ref>[http://www.hbcaviation.pl/images/pdf/2009_HBC_King_Air_C90GTX_Report.pdf "King Air C90GTx Product Analysis."]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''Hawker-Beechcraft Corporation''. Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref>
;Model D90
:Not built, one prototype abandoned.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model E90
:C90 with 680shp PT6A-28 engines and 10100lb TOGW, first flown in 1972, 347 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;{{visible anchor|Model F90}}
:C90 with T-tail and Model 200 wings, two 750shp PT6A-135 engines with four-bladed propellers, 196 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model F90-1
:F90 with PT6A-135A engines, 32 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model G90
:F90 prototype re-engined with Garrett TPE-331s in place of the Pratt & Whitney PT6s originally fitted.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model H90
:C90 modified for as a pilot trainer for the United States Navy with 750shp PT6A-34B engines, 61 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model 100
:B90 with a 50-inch fuselage stretch, larger vertical tail, two 680shp PT6A-28 engines, first flown in 1969, 89 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;{{visible anchor|Model A100}}
:Model 100 with additional fuel capacity, four-bladed propellers and two extra side windows, 157 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model A100-1
:Designation for procurement reasons of three Model 200 battlefield surveillance variants for the United States Army as the RU-21J.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model A100A
:A100 with PT6A-28A engines and 11800lb TOGW.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model A100C
:A100A with 750shp PT6A-36 engines.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model B100
:A100A with two 715shp Garrett TPE-331 engines instead of Pratt & Whitney PT6s fitted to previous models; 137 built.<ref name="simpson" />
;Model C100
:B100 with 750shp PT6A-135 engines.<ref name="simpson" />  Eight converted from A100s, but all later converted back due to tail flutter issues.<ref>{{Cite web |title=B100 Review and Commentary |url=https://kingairmagazine.com/article/b100-review-and-commentary/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=King Air |language=en-US}}</ref>
;[[Nextant Aerospace#Nextant G90XT|Nextant G90XT]]
: remanufactured by [[Nextant Aerospace]] with [[GE H75]] engines, [[Garmin G1000]] cockpit and a new cabin.

===Military designations===
;YU-21
:Modification of L-23 Seminole with PT6A-6 turboprops. One converted.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p88">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, p. 88.</ref>
;U-21A Ute
:Utility aircraft for US Army, with fuselage of Queen Air 65-80 and wings of King Air 65-90, powered by 550&nbsp;hp (410&nbsp;kW) PT6A-20s. Beechcraft Model 65-A90-1. 141 built.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p88"/><ref name="IAPR pt 1 p74">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, p. 74.</ref>
;EU-21A
:Conversion of at least five U-21As as radio relay aircraft for use over [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]]. Later re-converted to U-21A standard.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p89">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, p. 89.</ref>
;JU-21A
:Conversion of three U-21As with ''Left Jab'' [[Signals intelligence]] (SIGINT) system. One of the system aircraft, (67-18065) with callsign "Vanguard 216" was shot down by a Surface to Air Missile near the DMZ on March 4, 1971. All 5 crew members were declared KIA Bodies Not Recovered. Two later re-converted to U-21A standard.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p89"/>
;RU-21A
:Conversion of four U-21As to carry [[Direction finding]] equipment as part of ''Cefirm Leader'' program, to work with RU-21B and RU-21C aircraft.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p89-0">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, pp. 89–90.</ref>
;RU-21B
:Signals intercept aircraft as part of ''Cefirm Leader'' program. Powered by 620&nbsp;hp (462&nbsp;kW) PT6A-29s and with modified undercarriage. Beechcraft Model 65-A90-2. Three built.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p90">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, p.90.</ref>
;RU-21C
:Similar to RU-21B, but carrying jamming equipment as part of ''Cefirm Leader''. Beechcraft model 65-A90-3. Two built.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p90"/>
;RU-21D
:SIGINT aircraft system known as "Laffing Eagle" "V-Scan", deployed to Vietnam, after the war many were converted to Guardrail RU-21H models, and others having their electronic equipment removed to become '''U-21D''' utility aircraft. Beechcraft Model 65-A90-1. 18 built.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p90-1">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, pp. 90–91.</ref>
;RU-21E
:ELINT version with ''Guardrail II'', ''IIA'' or ''IV'' systems. Beechcraft Model 65-A90-4.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2020 |title=Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes (Type Certificate Previously Held by Beechcraft Corporation) |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-07-29/pdf/2020-16214.pdf |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=[[GovInfo]]}}</ref> 16 built.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p91">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, p.91.</ref>
;U-21F
:Five King Air A100s used by US Army as transport/utility aircraft.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p92">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, p.92.</ref>
;U-21G Ute
:U-21A with modified cockpit, mainly used as utility aircraft, 17 conversions.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p92"/>
;RU-21G
:Three U-21Gs fitted with ''Guardrail I'' ELINT system.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p92"/>
;RU-21H
:Conversion of 21 RU-21D, E and F aircraft to carry ''Guardrail V'' ELINT system. Higher gross weight.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p93">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Winter 2003/2004, p.93.</ref>
;U-21H Ute
:Modification of 23 RU-21E and G aircraft replaced in the ELINT role by later aircraft to utility aircraft.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p93"/>
;JU-21H
:Two former RU-21Es converted as test aircraft.<ref name="IAPR pt 1 p93"/>
;VC-6A
:Two B90 King Airs, powered by 550&nbsp;shp (410&nbsp;kW) PT6A-20s. One used as transport by US Army, and one by USAF as VIP transport for President [[Lyndon B. Johnson]].<ref name="IAPR pt 2 p90">Kaminsky ''International Air Power Review'' Spring 2004, p.90</ref>
;T-44A Pegasus
:Model H90 as a Multi-engine training aircraft for US Navy, 61 built.<ref name="IAPR pt 2 p90"/>
;T-44C Pegasus
:T-44A upgraded with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 series avionics suite. 25 upgraded.<ref>[https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=135c59593f3a052923c88c82f3bd16a0&tab=core&_cview=0 "T-44 Instrument Flight Trainer Modification"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324062103/https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=135c59593f3a052923c88c82f3bd16a0&tab=core&_cview=0 |date=March 24, 2012 }}. www.fbo.gov. Retrieved: June 15, 2011.</ref>

===Other information===

The [[ICAO]] designator, such as might be used in a [[PIREP]] or a [[flight plan]], for the various King Airs are BE9T (F90 and F90-1), BE9L (all other model 90s), and BE10 (model 100). With the exception of the F90 and F90-1, all 90 Series King Airs have been produced under the same Type Certificate (Number 3A20) used for Queen Air production.<ref name="FAA"/> All 100 Series King Airs were produced under the same Type Certificate (Number A14CE) used for Model 99 production.<ref>[http://rgl.faa.gov/regulatory_and_guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/c0a846816b9bfac386257385005c5f33/$FILE/A14ce.pdf "Model 99 and King Air 100 series Type Certificate Data Sheet"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227121915/http://rgl.faa.gov/regulatory_and_guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/c0a846816b9bfac386257385005c5f33/$FILE/A14ce.pdf |date=February 27, 2008 }}. FAA. Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref>

==Specifications==
[[File:Beechcraft U-21A Ute 3-view line drawing.png|300px|3-view line drawing of the Beechcraft U-21A Ute|alt=3-view line drawing of the Beechcraft U-21A Ute|thumb]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! King Air
! C90GTi<ref name="FAA">[http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/8c3d574efe5ea4a58625733a006a4a8b/$FILE/3a20.pdf "Queen Air and King Air 90 series Type Certificate Data Sheet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227121911/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/8c3d574efe5ea4a58625733a006a4a8b/$FILE/3a20.pdf |date=February 27, 2008 }} ''FAA.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/beechcraft/aircraft/turboprops/kac90gti/specifications.aspx "C90GTi Specifications."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731030500/http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/beechcraft/aircraft/turboprops/kac90gti/specifications.aspx |date=July 31, 2008 }} ''Hawker Beechcraft.'' Retrieved: June 11, 2011.</ref>
! B100<ref>Frawley, Gerald. ''The International Directory of Civil Aircraft'', 1997/98 Edition. Canberra ACT: Aerospace Publications Pty. Ltd., 1997. {{ISBN|1-875671-26-9}}.</ref>
|-
|Crew
| colspan=2 | 1–2
|-
|Passengers
| 7 max
| 13 max
|-
|Length
| 35&nbsp;ft 6 in / 10.82 m
| 39&nbsp;ft 11 in / 12.17 m
|-
|Span
| 50&nbsp;ft 3 in / 15.32 m
| 45&nbsp;ft 11 in / 14.0 m

|-
|Height
| 14&nbsp;ft 3 in / 4.34 m
| 15&nbsp;ft 5 in / 4.7 m
|-
|Area
| 294&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup> / 27 m<sup>2</sup>
| 279.7&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup> / 26.0 m<sup>2</sup>
|-
|Empty Weight
| 6,950&nbsp;lb / 3,150&nbsp;kg
| 7,092&nbsp;lb / 3,212&nbsp;kg
|-
|MTOW
| 10,100&nbsp;lb / 4,580&nbsp;kg
| 11,800&nbsp;lb / 5,352&nbsp;kg
|-
|Powerplant
| 2x[[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|PT6]]A-135A
| 2x[[Garrett AiResearch TPE-331|TPE-331]]-6-251B or -252
|-
|Power
| 550 shp / 410&nbsp;kW
| 715 shp / 533&nbsp;kW{{efn|[[flat rated]], 840 shp thermo.}}
|-
|Propellers
| [[Hartzell Propeller|Hartzell]] HC-E4N-3N
| 4-bladed
|-
|Cruise TAS
| 226 kn / 416&nbsp;km/h
| 237 kn / 463&nbsp;km/h
|-
|Max TAS
| 270 kn / 500&nbsp;km/h
| 265 kn / 491&nbsp;km/h
|-
|Stall IAS (flaps down)
| 78 kn / 145&nbsp;km/h
|
|-
|Range
| 1,321 nmi / 2,446&nbsp;km
| 1,325 nmi / 2,455&nbsp;km
|-
|Fuel consumption
|
| {{cvt|{{#expr:532/256round2}}|lb/nmi|g/m}}{{efn|532 lb/hr at 256 KTAS (FL 220)<ref name=BCA170130>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/used-aircraft-report-beech-king-air-b100 |title= Used Aircraft Report: Beech King Air B100 |date= January 30, 2017 |author= Fred George |work= Business & Commercial Aviation |publisher= Aviation Week |access-date= February 15, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170202111618/http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/used-aircraft-report-beech-king-air-b100 |archive-date= February 2, 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref>}}
|-
|Ceiling
| 30,000&nbsp;ft / 9,144 m
| 24,850&nbsp;ft / 7,574 m
|-
|Climb rate
| 2,000&nbsp;ft/min / 10.2&nbsp;m/s
| 2,140&nbsp;ft/min / 10.87&nbsp;m/s
|-
|Wing loading
| 34.3&nbsp;lb/ft<sup>2</sup> / 170&nbsp;kg/m<sup>2</sup>
| 42.2&nbsp;lb/ft<sup>2</sup> / 205.84&nbsp;kg/m<sup>2</sup>
|-
|Power/weight
| 0.099&nbsp;hp/lb / 179 W/kg
| 0.121&nbsp;hp/lb / 199.17 W/kg
|}
{{notelist}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Beechcraft Queen Air]]
* [[Beechcraft Super King Air]]
* [[Beechcraft Model 99]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Cessna 425]]
* [[Cessna 441]]
* [[Mitsubishi MU-2]]
* [[Piaggio P.180 Avanti]]
* [[Piper PA-31T Cheyenne]]
* [[Embraer EMB 121 Xingu]]
* [[Swearingen Merlin]]
|see also=
}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Harding |first=Stephen |title=U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947 |year=1997 |publisher=Schiffer Publishing Ltd. |location=Atglen, PA, USA |isbn= 0-7643-0190-X}}
* Kaminski, Tom. "Variant File: US Military King Airs: Part 1 Beech/Raytheon U-21 and C-12". ''International Air Power Review''. Volume 11, Winter 2003/2004. {{ISBN|1-880588-60-9}}. ISSN 1473-9917. pp.&nbsp;74–93.
* Kaminski, Tom. "Variant File: US Military King Airs Part 2: C-12". ''International Air Power Review''. Volume 12, Spring 2004. {{ISBN|1-880588-77-3}}. ISSN 1473-9917. pp.&nbsp;90–98.
* Jackson, Paul.  "Beech King Air B200." ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2003-2004'', 2004. {{ISBN|0-7106-2537-5}}.
* Phillips, Edward H. ''Beechcraft - Pursuit of Perfection, A History of Beechcraft Airplanes''. Flying Books, Eagan, Minnesota 1992. {{ISBN|0-911139-11-7}}.
* Simpson, R.W. ''Airlife's General Aviation.''  London: Airlife Publishing, 1991. {{ISBN|1-85310-194-X}}
* Taylor, M. J. H. ed. ''Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation'' Studio Editions Ltd. {{ISBN|1-85170-324-1}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Beechcraft King Air}}
* {{Official website|http://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/king-air-c90gtx|King Air C90GTx}}
* [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/MuseumExhibits/FactSheets/Display/tabid/509/Article/195809/beech-vc-6a.aspx Beech VC-6A] – [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]
* [http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/legacy/a346/ Beech King Air timeline from Wings of Kansas]

{{King Air family}}
{{Beechcraft}}
{{USAF trainer aircraft}}
{{US transport aircraft}}
{{US utility aircraft}}
{{Thai civil aircraft designations}}
{{Spanish trainer aircraft}}

[[Category:Beechcraft aircraft|King Air]]
[[Category:1960s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:1960s United States business aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1963]]
[[Category:Twin-turboprop tractor aircraft]]