General Aviation Beechcraft introduces new King Air 360 turboprop

Textron Aviation company Beechcraft has announced, that the King Air family will have a new flagship. The King Air 360/360ER turboprop is the most modern and advanced aircraft in the manufacturer´s line-up.

The updated flagship will feature the latest technological cockpit-advancements and newly enhanced passenger comfort with a redesigned cabin. Beechcraft has released, that first customer deliveries are expected to begin in the Fall of 2020, as the first aircraft is already in production.

In the cockpit, a lot has changed. The King Air 360 will additionally feature the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle. This function supports pilots by managing engine power throughout all flight-phases. It reduces the crew´s workload and helps them preventing over-temp and over-torque conditions. Also, a new digital pressurization controller will be implemented, which schedules cabin pressurization during climb and descent. The gauges have been integrated with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.

Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation said: “The Beechcraft King Air 360 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 [...] 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.”

The cabin can accommodate up to nine passengers with a cabin altitude of 5,960 feet at a cruising altitude of 27,000 feet. Especially during longer flights, this will enhance the passenger comfort. Textron Aviation stated that the newly designed cabin also features custom-built cabinetry, partitions and side ledges, upgraded materials and finishes, along with all new interior schemes.

Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience commented: “We created an environment that provides passengers with a greater sense of openness inside the King Air [...] 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 offers many of the amenities that our customers desire.”

The King Air 360 is the latest version of the company´s popular turboprop aircraft family. Since 1964, Beechcraft has delivered nearly 7,600 aircraft. The worldwide fleet has accumulated over 62 million flight hours.