Beechcraft C90 King Air: A Versatile Turboprop for Discerning Buyers
The Beechcraft C90 King Air is a legendary turboprop aircraft that has stood the test of time. Introduced in 1971, this twin-engine workhorse continues to be a popular choice for business and private aviation. Let's explore why the C90 remains competitive and how it stacks up against its rivals.
Performance and Capabilities
The Beechcraft C90 King Air offers an impressive blend of performance and versatility:
- Range: With a normal range of 840 nautical miles, the C90 can easily handle most regional trips.
- Speed: The aircraft cruises at 217 knots, providing efficient transportation for passengers.
- Payload: With a maximum payload of 3,535 lbs, the C90 can carry ample cargo and passengers.
- Takeoff Distance: Requiring only 2,557 feet for takeoff, it can access smaller airports with ease.
Cabin Comfort and Capacity
The C90's cabin provides a comfortable environment for passengers:
- Dimensions: With a cabin length of 12 ft 5 in, width of 4 ft 6 in, and height of 4 ft 10 in, it offers ample space.
- Seating: Typically configured for 5-7 passengers plus 2 crew members.
- Pressurization: The pressurized cabin allows for comfortable high-altitude flight.
Modern Upgrades and Improvements
Many C90s have been upgraded with modern avionics and performance enhancements:
- Blackhawk Engine Upgrade: Improves performance with PT6A-135A engines, offering better climb rates and speeds up to 265 knots true airspeed at 25,000 feet.
- Raisbeck Epic Package: Increases max takeoff weight to 10,500 lbs and improves handling.
- Avionics Upgrades: Options like the Garmin G600 provide modern navigation and situational awareness capabilities.
Comparison the Beechcraft C90 King Air to Competitors
When comparing the C90 King Air to its competitors, such as the Daher TBM 930, some key differences emerge:
- Engine Configuration: The C90 is twin-engine, offering redundancy, while the TBM 930 is single-engine.
- Cabin Size: The C90 provides more cabin height and width compared to the TBM 930.
- Operating Costs: Twin-engine aircraft typically have higher operating costs than single-engine competitors.
Why Choose the C90 King Air?
The C90 King Air offers several advantages for prospective buyers:
- Proven reliability and longevity in the market
- Excellent short-field performance
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Potential for modern upgrades to enhance performance and capabilities
- Twin-engine safety for over-water and remote area operations
Conclusion
The Beechcraft C90 King Air remains a compelling option for turboprop buyers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and versatility. While it may not be the fastest in its class, its combination of features, upgrade potential, and proven track record make it a worthy contender in the turboprop market. For those prioritizing passenger comfort, operational flexibility, and twin-engine safety, the C90 King Air deserves serious consideration.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW C90 AND C90-1 PERFORMANCE AND OPERATING COSTS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW C90A PERFORMANCE AND OPERATING COSTS
Comparison Summary
| Feature | C90B | C90GT | C90GTx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | PT6A-21, 550 shp each | PT6A-135A, 550 shp each | PT6A-135A, 550 shp each |
| MTOW | 10,100 lbs | 10,100 lbs | 10,485 lbs |
| Cruise Speed | 234 knots | 270 knots | 272 knots |
| Range | 940 nm | 981 nm | 1,260 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 feet | 30,000 feet | 30,000 feet |
| Rate of Climb | 2,010 fpm | 1,953 fpm | 1,900 fpm |
| Takeoff Distance | 2,710 feet | 2,392 feet | 1,984 feet |
| Landing Distance | 3,692 feet | 4,007 feet | 2,100 feet |
| Avionics | Collins EFIS-84 | Basic electronic flight instruments | Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion |
Click here to FIND EVERY BEECH KING AIR C90 for sale now!
Beechcraft C90 King Air: A Versatile Turboprop for Discerning Buyers
The Beechcraft C90 King Air is a legendary turboprop aircraft that has stood the test of time. Introduced in 1971, this twin-engine workhorse continues to be a popular choice for business and private aviation. Let's explore why the C90 remains competitive and how it stacks up against its rivals.
Performance and Capabilities
The C90 King Air offers an impressive blend of performance and versatility:
- Range: With a normal range of 840 nautical miles, the C90 can easily handle most regional trips.
- Speed: The aircraft cruises at 217 knots, providing efficient transportation for passengers.
- Payload: With a maximum payload of 3,535 lbs, the C90 can carry ample cargo and passengers.
- Takeoff Distance: Requiring only 2,557 feet for takeoff, it can access smaller airports with ease.
Cabin Comfort and Capacity
The C90's cabin provides a comfortable environment for passengers:
- Dimensions: With a cabin length of 12 ft 5 in, width of 4 ft 6 in, and height of 4 ft 10 in, it offers ample space.
- Seating: Typically configured for 5-7 passengers plus 2 crew members.
- Pressurization: The pressurized cabin allows for comfortable high-altitude flight.
Modern Upgrades and Improvements
Many C90s have been upgraded with modern avionics and performance enhancements:
- Blackhawk Engine Upgrade: Improves performance with PT6A-135A engines, offering better climb rates and speeds up to 265 knots true airspeed at 25,000 feet.
- Raisbeck Epic Package: Increases max takeoff weight to 10,500 lbs and improves handling.
- Avionics Upgrades: Options like the Garmin G600 provide modern navigation and situational awareness capabilities.
Comparison to Competitors
When comparing the C90 King Air to its competitors, such as the Daher TBM 930, some key differences emerge:
- Engine Configuration: The C90 is twin-engine, offering redundancy, while the TBM 930 is single-engine.
- Cabin Size: The C90 provides more cabin height and width compared to the TBM 930.
- Operating Costs: Twin-engine aircraft typically have higher operating costs than single-engine competitors.
Why Choose the C90 King Air?
The C90 King Air offers several advantages for prospective buyers:
- Proven reliability and longevity in the market
- Excellent short-field performance
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Potential for modern upgrades to enhance performance and capabilities
- Twin-engine safety for over-water and remote area operations
Conclusion
The Beechcraft C90 King Air remains a compelling option for turboprop buyers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and versatility. While it may not be the fastest in its class, its combination of features, upgrade potential, and proven track record make it a worthy contender in the turboprop market. For those prioritizing passenger comfort, operational flexibility, and twin-engine safety, the C90 King Air deserves serious consideration.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW C90 AND C90-1 PERFORMANCE AND OPERATING COSTS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW C90A PERFORMANCE AND OPERATING COSTS
Comparison Summary
| Feature | C90B | C90GT | C90GTx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | PT6A-21, 550 shp each | PT6A-135A, 550 shp each | PT6A-135A, 550 shp each |
| MTOW | 10,100 lbs | 10,100 lbs | 10,485 lbs |
| Cruise Speed | 234 knots | 270 knots | 272 knots |
| Range | 940 nm | 981 nm | 1,260 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 feet | 30,000 feet | 30,000 feet |
| Rate of Climb | 2,010 fpm | 1,953 fpm | 1,900 fpm |
| Takeoff Distance | 2,710 feet | 2,392 feet | 1,984 feet |
| Landing Distance | 3,692 feet | 4,007 feet | 2,100 feet |
| Avionics | Collins EFIS-84 | Basic electronic flight instruments | Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion |
