Overview of the Beechcraft 1900
The Beechcraft 1900, also known as the King Air 1900, is a twin-turbine turboprop airliner manufactured by Beechcraft Corporation. It is primarily designed for commercial use, with its first flight taking place on August 20, 1988. The aircraft gained notable milestones in its development, including receiving certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1990.
Technical Specifications
The Beechcraft 1900 has the following technical specifications:
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Dimensions:
- Length: 54 feet 11 inches (16.73 meters)
- Wingspan: 55 feet 3 inches (16.83 meters)
- Height: 17 feet 1 inch (5.20 meters)
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Weight:
- Empty weight: 12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 24,000 pounds (10,886 kilograms)
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Engines:
- Type: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW PT6A-67R turboprop
- Thrust: 1,050 horsepower (783 kilowatts) per engine
- Fuel efficiency: approximately 0.35 pounds per horsepower-hour
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Performance:
- Maximum speed: 285 knots (528 kilometers per hour)
- Range: approximately 1,300 nautical miles (2,412 kilometers)
- Cruising altitude: 24,000 feet (7,315 meters)
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Capacity:
- Pax: 19
- Cargo: 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms)
- Crew: 2
Design and Features
The Beechcraft 1900 features a unique design, including:
- Aerodynamically optimized fuselage for improved performance and fuel efficiency
- High-wing placement to improve ground visibility and reduce noise levels
- Tilt-rotating nosewheel landing gear for enhanced maneuverability
History and Development
The Beechcraft 1900 underwent significant development milestones:
- First flight: August 20, 1988
- Certification: received from the FAA in 1990
- Entry into service: commercial operations began in the early 1990s
- Significant upgrades or variants:
- Beechcraft 1900D: a variant with increased payload capacity and improved performance
Operational Use
The Beechcraft 1900 is used in various operational scenarios, including:
- Airlines that operate it:
- Republic Airways (formerly Chautauqua Airlines)
- Henson Airlines (now part of Envoy Air)
- Popular routes or missions:
- Short-range, high-frequency flights
- Air taxi and charter operations
- Role in aviation history:
- Notable record-breaking flights
- Military operations (in limited numbers)
Interesting Facts
Here are 3 interesting or lesser-known facts about the Beechcraft 1900:
- The King Air 1900 was originally designed as a response to the growing demand for a reliable, high-performance turboprop airliner.
- A notable example of its versatility is its use by the U.S. military in support of peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
- The aircraft has appeared in several major motion pictures, including "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014) and "The Expendables 3" (2014).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Beechcraft 1900 unique?
The King Air 1900 is notable for its combination of high-performance capabilities, fuel efficiency, and versatility in terms of operational use.
How much does the Beechcraft 1900 cost?
The estimated cost range of a new Beechcraft 1900 can vary depending on configuration, customization, and other factors. As a rough estimate, a new King Air 1900D model could cost anywhere from $5 million to $7 million.
What is the range of the Beechcraft 1900?
The maximum range of the Beechcraft 1900 is approximately 1,300 nautical miles (2,412 kilometers), making it suitable for short-range and high-frequency flights.
Can I charter a Beechcraft 1900?
Yes, you can charter a Beechcraft 1900 for air taxi or charter operations. Several companies offer this service worldwide.