Super King Air Specifications & Booking
Overview of the Super King Air
The Super King Air is a twin-turbine, multi-mission aircraft manufactured by Beechcraft, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation. As a commercial, private, and military-use aircraft, it excels in versatility, reliability, and performance. With its first flight on October 27, 1969, the Super King Air has become an iconic symbol of aviation excellence, logging over 500,000 hours of flight time.
Technical Specifications
The Super King Air's technical specifications are as follows:
- Dimensions: Length: 43 ft 9 in (13.33 m), Wingspan: 48 ft 11 in (14.98 m), Height: 15 ft 1 in (4.58 m)
- Weight: Empty weight: 8,800 lb (3,990 kg), Maximum takeoff weight: 12,500 lb (5,670 kg)
- Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW-121 turboprop engines, each producing 550 horsepower (410 kW) with a fuel efficiency of 0.32 lb/min
- Performance: Maximum speed: 285 mph (459 km/h), Range: 2,500 nm (4,630 km), Cruising altitude: 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
- Capacity: Passengers: up to 19, Cargo: 3,000 lb (1,361 kg), Crew: two
Design and Features
The Super King Air boasts a unique design that combines aerodynamics, materials, and onboard systems. Its innovative features include:
- Aerodynamic design for reduced drag and increased lift
- Fiberglass-reinforced composite fuselage for lightweight durability
- Advanced avionics and navigation systems
- Turbine-powered engines for improved performance and efficiency
- Award-winning design recognized by the Royal Aeronautical Society
History and Development
The Super King Air's development milestones include:
- First flight:October 27, 1969
- Certification: July 1970
- Entry into service: August 1970
- Significant upgrades and variants, such as the King Air 200 and King Air 350ER
- Over 500,000 hours of flight time logged since its introduction
Operational Use
The Super King Air is used in various real-world scenarios:
- Airlines such as Cape Air and Piedmont Airlines operate the aircraft for passenger transport
- Military organizations like the United States Coast Guard utilize it for search and rescue missions
- Private operators use it for personal transportation, cargo transport, and humanitarian missions
- Role in aviation history: record-breaking flights, military operations, and disaster relief efforts
Interesting Facts
Some lesser-known facts about the Super King Air include:
- The aircraft has a unique nose-mounted propeller design for improved performance
- Famous flights: the Super King Air holds multiple world records for its speed, range, and altitude
- Pop culture appearances: the Super King Air has been featured in movies and TV shows like "Airplane!" and "The A-Team"
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Super King Air unique?
The Super King Air's unique features include its aerodynamic design, turbine-powered engines, and advanced avionics. These innovations set it apart from other aircraft in terms of performance, efficiency, and reliability.
How much does the Super King Air cost?
The estimated cost range for a new Super King Air is between $2-5 million, depending on the configuration and customization.
What is the range of the Super King Air?
The Super King Air's maximum range is approximately 2,500 nm (4,630 km), making it an excellent choice for long-range flights and transcontinental missions.
Which airlines operate the Super King Air?
Airlines like Cape Air, Piedmont Airlines, and WestJet Connect operate the Super King Air for passenger transport. Private operators also use it for various purposes.
Is the Super King Air still in production?
The Super King Air is no longer in active production, but Textron Aviation continues to support existing models with maintenance, upgrades, and spare parts.
