Beechcraft King Air 200: A Versatile Turboprop for Discerning Buyers and Pilots
The Beechcraft King Air 200 is a twin-turboprop aircraft that has been a mainstay in private and commercial aviation for decades. Known for its reliability, performance, and versatility, the King Air 200 continues to be a popular choice for business executives, charter companies, and government agencies alike.
Key Specifications
- Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 turboprops (850 shp each)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 12,500 lbs
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 9 passengers
- Range: 1,075 nm (normal range) to 1,490 nm (max range)
- Cruise Speed: 272 knots (normal cruise)
- Service Ceiling: 35,000 ft
- Cabin Dimensions: 16 ft 8 in (length) x 4 ft 6 in (width) x 4 ft 10 in (height)
Pros and Cons of the Beechcraft King Air 200
Pros:
- Excellent short-field performance
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Ability to access small airports
- Impressive range for its class
- Lower operating costs compared to jets
- Certified for flight into known icing conditions
- Robust and reliable design
Cons:
- Slower than jet aircraft on longer routes
- Limited full-fuel payload in some configurations
- Older models may require avionics upgrades
- Higher acquisition costs compared to some single-engine turboprops
Performance and Capabilities of the Beechcraft King Air 200
The King Air 200 shines in its ability to combine comfort, speed, and efficiency. With a normal cruise speed of 272 knots and a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, it can easily handle most regional business trips. The aircraft's impressive climb rate of 2,450 fpm allows it to quickly reach its service ceiling of 35,000 feet, where it can take advantage of more favorable winds and lower fuel consumption.
One of the King Air 200's standout features is its short-field performance. With a balanced field length of 5,300 feet, it can operate from many smaller airports that are inaccessible to jets, providing greater flexibility for business travelers.
Cabin Comfort and Amenities
The King Air 200 boasts a spacious cabin that measures 16 feet 8 inches in length, 4 feet 6 inches in width, and 4 feet 10 inches in height. This generous space allows for comfortable seating configurations, typically featuring a club-style arrangement with additional seats in the rear. The cabin also includes an enclosed lavatory, enhancing passenger comfort on longer flights.
Comparing the King Air 200 to Competitors
When considering the King Air 200, it's important to compare it with other aircraft in its class. Here's how it stacks up against some competitors:
Feature | King Air 200 | Pilatus PC-12 | Cessna Citation CJ1 |
---|---|---|---|
Engines | 2 Turboprops | 1 Turboprop | 2 Turbofans |
Max Passengers | 9 | 9 | 7 |
Range (nm) | 1,490 | 1,560 | 1,285 |
Cruise Speed (kts) | 272 | 280 | 389 |
Operating Cost* | Lower | Lowest | Highest |
Short-field Capability | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
*Operating costs are relative and can vary based on specific operations and maintenance programs.
Upgrades and Modifications
The King Air 200 has been in production for many years, which means there are numerous upgrade options available for older models. Some popular modifications include:
- Blackhawk XP61 engine upgrade, increasing cruise speed to 295 ktas
- Raisbeck Engineering's Epic Platinum package, improving performance and reducing noise
- Avionics upgrades to modern glass cockpit systems
- Ram air recovery system for improved engine performance
These upgrades can significantly enhance the aircraft's performance, making even older King Air 200s competitive with newer models.
Conclusion: Is the Beechcraft King Air 200 Right for You?
The Beechcraft King Air 200 remains a compelling choice for buyers seeking a versatile, efficient, and comfortable turboprop aircraft. Its ability to access smaller airports, impressive range, and lower operating costs compared to jets make it an excellent option for businesses and individuals who frequently fly regional routes.
While it may not match the speed of light jets on longer trips, the King Air 200's combination of performance, comfort, and reliability ensures its continued popularity in the turboprop market. For those considering a King Air 200 for sale, it's worth exploring both newer models and older airframes with modern upgrades to find the best fit for your specific needs and budget.
With its proven track record and ongoing support from Textron Aviation, the King Air 200 is poised to continue its reign as a workhorse of the skies for years to come.
VIEW ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE SPECS ON THE BEECH 200 KING AIR HERE!