Beechcraft Super King Air

Infobox Aircraft
name= (Super) King Air
type= Civil utility aircraft
manufacturer= Beechcraft


caption= Beechcraft B200 Super King Air
designer=
first flight= 27 October 1972
introduced= 1972 (Military) February 1974 (Civil)
retired=
status= Active service
primary user= US armed forces
more users= Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
produced=
number built= 3,400+
unit cost= $6.2-7.0 Million USD
developed from = Beechcraft King Air
variants with their own articles= C-12 Huron Beechcraft 1900

The Beechcraft Super King Air family is part of a line of twin-turboprop aircraft produced by the Beech Aircraft Corporation (now the Beechcraft Division of Hawker Beechcraft). The King Air line comprises a number of model series that fall into two families: the Model 90 series, Model 100 series (these models comprising the King Air family), Model 200 series and Model 300 series. The latter two models were originally marketed as the "Super King Air" family, but the "Super" was dropped in 1996.

The Super King Air family has been in continuous production since 1974, the longest production run of any civilian turboprop aircraft in its class. It has outlasted all of its previous competitors and as of 2007 the only other aircraft in its class is the Piaggio Avanti. As of August 2008, the B200GT and the larger B300 are the production models. Special mission derivative versions of both models are also available for order. In addition, the Beechcraft 1900 was derived from the King Air 200.

Development

Model 200 Super King Air

The Model 200 was originally conceived as the Model 101 in 1969, and was a development of the Model 100 King Air. The Model 200 had essentially the same fuselage as the Model 100, with changes to the rear fuselage to accommodate a new T-tail (in place of the 100's conventional tail with all-moving trimmable horizontal stabiliser) and structural changes to allow higher maximum pressurisation. Apart from the T-tail, other changes included Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-41 engines rated at 850 shp instead of the 680 shp engines of the Model A100 then in production, and a wing of increased span and extra fuel capacity. Overall, the 200 was 3 ft 10 in (1.17 m) longer than the A100, with wingspan 4 ft 3 in (1.29 m) greater, containing 60 US gallons (230 l) more fuel. Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) was increased by 1,000 lb (450 kg). After protracted development including extensive wind tunnel testing of the design (especially of the T-tail which was tunnel-tested for 375 hours), the first prototype flew for the first time on 27 October 1972; a second prototype took to the air on 15 December the same year. Three production aircraft were also built in 1972 and delivered to the US Army; these three were designated Model A100-1s by Beechcraft and were given the military designation RU-21J; the first of some 400 T-tail King Airs to be ordered by the US armed forces. The 200 received civil certification in December 1973 and the first civil delivery took place in February 1974.

In 1976 Beechcraft developed the Model 200T, a version configured for aerial surveying or reconnaissance. The prototype was created by modifiying a Model 200 aircraft, constructor's number (c/no.) BB-186; the modifications included changes to the belly aft of the wing to allow photography with a vertical camera, provision for a surveillance radar in a pod under the fuselage, dome-shaped windows on the sides of the rear fuselage to allow observation directly below the aircraft by occupants, and a 50 US gallon (170 litre) useable capacity fuel tank on each wingtip to increase the aircraft's range. Customers could specifiy any combination of these modifications when ordering a 200T; all 200Ts were Model 200s modified at the factory and given new constructor's numbers.

The next model to appear was the Model 200C in 1979; this version had a large cargo door on the LH side of the rear fuselage with an airstair door similar to the Model 200's door built into it. The door opening was 4 ft 4 in (1.33 m) high and 4 ft 4 in (1.33 m) wide, allowing a large range of items to be loaded into the cabin. The Model 200C found favour with many operators who fitted them out internally as Air Ambulances. The 200C was built from scratch rather than as a modification of the Model 200. The Model A200C military version was developed concurrently. In 1981 a Model 200C (c/no. BL-24) was modified as the Model 200CT, fitted with the same wingtip fuel tanks as installed on Model 200Ts; there was only one 200CT, but it led to other aircraft after an updated version of the Model 200 entered production.This updated and improved version was the Model B200, which entered production in 1981. It was fitted with PT6A-42 engines, still rated at 850 shp but with improvements that resulted in greater aircraft performance. Other changes included increased maximum pressurisation (to 6.5 psi differential) and changes to the cockpit layout. The Model 200C gave way to the Model B200C the same year, with the first Model B200T and Model B200CT being modified from a B200 and B200C respectively the following year. Commencing in 1984 the B200, B200C and their derivatives were fitted with a revised landing gear retraction mechanism, actuated by hydraulic rams powered by an electric pump installed in the LH wing. This replaced the earlier electro-mechanical retraction system of gearboxes, driveshafts and chains and sprockets that was a throwback to the Twin Bonanza. At the same time the propellers fitted were changed from 3-bladed Hartzells to 3-bladed McCauleys. 47 B200Cs built that year were delivered to the US military, with dozens more of a similar standard ordered in subsequent years but not given official civil model designations.

A total of 14 B200s were produced in 1989 and 1990 in a 13-seat high density configuration with a belly cargo pod, these were marketed by Beechcraft as a commuter airliner under the designation Model 1300. Customers for this version included Mesa Airlines. The propeller installation changed again in 1992, when Beechcraft started offering the option of having 4-bladed Hartzell or McCauley props, or 3-bladed Hartzell props; the 3-bladed McCauleys were no longer available. [http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/58434e0b97c662fa862573a8004d0b41/$FILE/A24CE.pdf FAA Beech 200 and 300 Series Type Certificate] retrieved 2007-12-11.] From October 1995 Beechcraft offered an updated B200 with Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) avionics, this was marketed as the "B200SE Super King Air" (for Special Edition). The following year the "Super" name was dropped from all marketing and advertising. In October 2003 Beechcraft announced another avionics upgrade for the B200, the Rockwell Collins Proline 21 suite.

The B200 was produced until the second half of 2007 and the B200C was available for order up to that time, although no B200Cs had been built for almost two years (the most recent B200Cs [Information derived from search of the [http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/ctowctry.php LAASdata.com] database using "BL-" as the search parameter to obtain c/nos. of the aircraft, then conducting an online search of the [http://www.airliners.net/search/? Airliners.net] photo database, and searches of the [http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=summary&regmark=sas UK civil aircraft register] . Searches conducted 2007-10-14.] were delivered in early 2006 for use as air ambulances in Scotland). [ [http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=3881 Hawker Beechcraft Press Release] retrieved 2007-10-16.] On 21 May 2007, during the 7th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva, Hawker Beechcraft (as the company was now known) introduced the Model B200GT updated version of the B200. [ [http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=7897 Hawker Beechcraft Press Release] retrieved 2007-10-13.] The B200GT is fitted with a new model of PT6 engine developed specifically for it by Pratt & Whitney Canada; while still rated at 850 shp the new PT6A-52 develops maximum power to an even higher altitude than the -42 it replaces, thus further improving aircraft performance. The B200GT and B200CGT with large cargo door were certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 16 November 2007 and by the end of the year 27 B200GTs had been delivered. Hawker Beechcraft has elected to use new constructor's number prefixes for the B200GT and B200CGT; B200GTs are being built with the prefix "BY" and while no B200CGTs had been built as of August 2008, they will be delivered with the prefix "BZ".

Military versions of the Super King Air 200

The US Army, US Air Force, US Navy, and the US Marine Corps all fly versions of the Super King Air today. As noted above some have been "off-the-shelf" civil versions but the majority have been purpose-built for the military and were treated by Beechcraft and the FAA as a separate series, the A200 series. A significant minority of military versions are known purely by their military designations, with no FAA model designations being assigned to them, although they do have basically-equivalent civilian model counterparts. The military designation varies from service to service, but most are called C-12 Huron or UC-12. These are used for personnel transport. The Army also operates the RC-12 Guardrail series of aircraft for military intelligence missions.

The Canadian Air Force (CAF) took delivery of two second-hand early-production Model 200 Super King Airs leased from Awood Air in 1990. These were given the designation CT-145 under the CAF's identification system and were used as multi-engine trainers, replacing Douglas C-47s. One was subsequently returned to the lessor and a third Model 200 placed into service in order that the two aircraft used would have the same cockpit layout. [ [http://mypage.direct.ca/m/martin11/canaf.html Short histories of CAF aircraft types] retrieved 2007-10-30.] [The model of aircraft used was obtained by conducting searches of the [http://www.tc.gc.ca/aviation/activepages/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/historysearch.asp Canadian historic civil aircraft register] using information obtained from the above-listed source as search parameters. Note that one aircraft is listed as a Model B200 but the serial number given is that of a Model 200. Searches conducted 2007-10-30.] The two aircraft were replaced by eight civilian-operated 90 Model King Airs in 1995. [ [http://www.rcaf.com/aircraft/trainers/kingair/index.php Unofficial RCAF website CT-145 information] retrieved 2007-10-30.]

PD 290

The King Air 200 design proved to be sound, and so Beech considered a jet-powered version in the mid-1970s. The first prototype King Air 200 was re-engined with Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D turbofans in overwing nacelles. Given the designation PD 290 (for Preliminary Design), the aircraft was flown in this configuration for the first time on 12 March 1975. Beech did not pursue production, and the last flight was made on 30 September 1977. Beech later purchased the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond design, producing it as the Beechjet 400.

Model 300/350 Super King Air

The 200 series proved so popular that Beechcraft began work on a successor, with the Beechcraft designation Model 300 and marketed as the "Super King Air 300". The B200's airframe was 'cleaned up' and even more powerful engines (PT6A-60A, rated at 1050 shp) installed in redesigned cowlings (known as "pitot cowlings" due to the reshaped engine air intakes), with MTOW increased to 14,000 lb (6,300 kg). A Model 200 (c/no. BB-343) was modified to develop the updated systems to be used on the new model and flew in this configuration on 6 October 1981. The first flight of the prototype Model 300 took place on 3 September 1983 and deliveries commenced the following year. Because not all nations would then allow an aircraft of this type to be certified at an MTOW greater than 12,500 lb (5,700 kg), the Model 300LW was also developed at the same time, limited to the lower MTOW. Nineteen examples of a special version of the Model 300 were delivered to the FAA in 1987 and 1988. The first two were conversions of standard Model 300s, while the remaining 17 were purpose-built; since they were delivered the FAA has used the fleet to check the extensive network of navaids in the USA. 200 and 300 Series King Airs are or have been used for similar duties in several other countries, including Australia, Germany, Hong Kong (a B200C used for navaid calibration was the first aircraft to land at the then-new Chek Lap Kok Airport in 1996), Sweden and Taiwan.

By 1988, Beechcraft had begun work on the replacement for the 300. The fuselage of the 300 was stretched by nearly three feet with two extra cabin windows on each side and winglets added to the wigtips to create the Model B300, introduced in 1990 and initially marketed as the "Super King Air 350". MTOW was increased again to 15,000 lb (6,750 kg); as the same regulatory situation that led to the development of the 300LW still existed, that model continued to be produced until 1994. Like the 200 and B200 before it, a version with a large cargo door was developed, the Model B300C marketed as the "Super King Air 350C". The first deliveries of this model also took place in 1990. In 1998 the UltraQuiet Active Noise Cancelling [In brief, this works by sampling noise inside the aircraft through a set of microphones, processing the received audio, and then transmitting sounds of the same frequency but exactly out of phase through a set of speakers. The microphones and speakers are mounted in the aircraft interior panelling in various parts of the cabin.] system made by Ultra Electronics was added as standard equipment on all B300s. [ [http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Raytheon-Aircraft-Holdings-Inc-Company-History.html Funding Universe Raytheon History] retrieved 2007-10-16.] In October 2003 Beechcraft announced that it would deliver future B300 and B300C King Airs with the Rockwell Collins Proline 21 avionics suite.

The B300 model is still in production today (as the "King Air 350", the "Super" being dropped in 1996 as mentioned earlier), while the B300C is available for order; four have been built in 2007 [Information derived from search of the [http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/ctowctry.php LAASdata.com] turboprop aircraft database using "FM-" as the search parameter to obtain c/nos. of the aircraft, then conducting an online search of the [http://www.tc.gc.ca/aviation/activepages/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp Canadian civil aircraft register] . Searches conducted 2007-10-16.] and Hawker Beechcraft announced on 11 November 2007 that it would deliver five to Saudi Arabia in 2008 for use as Air Ambulances. [ [http://www.raytheonaircraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=8895 Hawker Beechcraft Media Release] retrieved 2007-12-11.]

On 13 June 2005 Beechcraft announced at the Paris Air Show that it was developing the "King Air 350ER" version of the 300 series, an equivalent to the earlier Model 200T and B200Ts of the 200 series. Changes include an increase of MTOW to 16,500 lb (7,430 kg), provision for surveillance equipment in a belly pod, the landing gear of the Beechcraft 1900 to handle the increased weight and provide ground clearance for the belly pod, and extra fuel capacity in the engine nacelles to increase range [ [http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/news/article.asp?id=523 Wings Over Kansas News] retrieved 2007-10-14.] (because of the B300s winglets it was unfeasible to fit wingtip fuel tanks as found on the 200T and B200T). On 11 November 2007 Hawker Beechcraft announced that the 350ER had been certified by the FAA. [ [http://www.raytheonaircraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=8894 Hawker Beechcraft Media Release] retrieved 2007-12-11.] NBAA IFR range was increased to 2300 NM (4250 km). [ "Business & Commercial Aviation", May 2008, page 126.]

Military versions

One special variant B300C was built for the Swiss Air Force, with a modified belly to allow aerial photography and a large observation window in the RH rear fuselage; [Information derived from perusal of the [http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/ctowctry.php?t=Beech%20King%20Air%20300&nnum=7&c= LAASdata King Air 300 Series database] and a search of the [http://www.airliners.net/search/? Airliners.net] photo database, using "FN-1" as the search parameter. Searches conducted 2007-10-16.] and given a c/no. with a different prefix to other B300Cs.

Hawker Pacific in Australia purchased eight B300s between 2003 and 2005 for lease to the Royal Australian Air Force. These were subsequently modified as navigator trainers. [ [http://www.adf-serials.com/3a32.shtml ADF serials King Air page] retrieved 2007-10-25.] Hawker Pacific later leased another three B300s to the Australian Army, replacing B200 and B200C Model King Airs.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force operates six B300s in the reconnaissance and communications roles under the designation LR-2. The aircraft were delivered between 1998 and 2004 and include the last B300 built without the Proline 21 avionics package (c/no. FL-382). [JGSDF Order of Battle accessed via [http://www.scramble.nl/jp.htm this page] , retrieved 2007-10-25.] [ [http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/beach_king_air350/ Aerospace Technology King Air 350 page] retrieved 2007-10-25.] [ [http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/ctowctry.php?t=Beech%20King%20Air%20300&nnum=7&c= LAASdata King Air 300 Series database] retrieved 2007-10-25.]

Beechcraft announced on 6 March 2007 that the Iraqi Air Force had ordered five King Air 350ERs [ [http://www.raytheonaircraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=7335 Hawker Beechcraft Press Release] retrieved 2007-10-14.] for delivery commencing late in 2007. Hawker Beechcraft exhibited a King Air 350ER at the 2007 Paris Air Show [ [http://www.raytheonaircraft.com/include/content_view.aspx?id=8041 Hawker Beechcraft Press Release] retrieved 2007-10-16.] ; and at the Royal International Air Tattoo the following month, reportedly because the British Army had ordered a small number for service in the Army Air Corps. [ [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=2768983&C=europe U.K. Army Gets ISTAR Boost With King Air Buy] ,Defense News website, retrieved 2007-10-23.] Photos of the aircraft, actually a modified 2005-built B300, [ [http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/nnumsql.asp?NNumbertxt=106ER US civil aircraft register search] conducted 2007-10-16.] show that visual features of the King Air 350ER include a belly pod, and enlarged engine nacelles [ [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?aircraft_genericsearch=&airlinesearch=&countrysearch=&specialsearch=&daterange=&keywords=FL-424&range=&sort_order=&page_limit=15&thumbnails=&calccount=1219118&truecount=false&engine_version=6.0 Airliners.net photos of B300 c/no. FL-424] retrieved 2007-10-16.] compared to the nacelles of standard B300 King Airs.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force operates a solitary B300 on maritime patrol and reconnaissance duties. [ [http://www.rbdfmil.com/equipment.html Royal Bahamas Defence Force Equipment page] retrieved 2008-08-01.]

Modification and upgrade programs

Numerous "after-market" modifications and upgrades are available for 200 and 300 Series King Airs. [ [http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/MainFrame?OpenFrameSet A list of STCs available for King Air series aircraft is available on the FAA website] .]

Avia Design offers a Wing Front Spar Reinforcement Kit for 200 Series aircraft and a modification to replace the electro-mechanical landing gear retraction system of early-build aircraft with an electro-hydraulic system.Raisbeck Inc. (a company that has been heavily involved in developing modifications for the entire King Air line) offers several modifications designed to increase performance (strakes that improve low-speed yaw stability) and carrying capacity (nacelle lockers).

Sierra Nevada Corporation offers a modification for the entire King Air line that entails reworking and extending the entire nose [ [http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSTC.nsf/0/fdcd09c00de717d38625724b0076632a/$FILE/SA00367SE.pdf FAA STC No. SA00367SE] retrieved 2007-12-11.] to house a baggage compartment as well as the avionics normally found in the noses of King Air aircraft.

BLR Aerospace offers winglets, similar to those of the B300, for 200 series and other 300 series King Airs. [ [http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSTC.nsf/0/5f2017d2b7576bd7862572b3004fb790/$FILE/SA01615SE.pdf FAA STC No. SA01615SE] retrieved 2007-12-11.]

Commuter Air Technology offers a modification to install a Forward looking infrared camera in an extended nose in B200 King Airs. [ [http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSTC.nsf/0/e5127953b7a312178625710800546b53/$FILE/SA01853LA.pdf FAA STC No. SA01853LA] retrieved 2007-12-11.] Other modifications available are to convert standard 200 Series King Airs to configurations equivalent to the Model 1300 or Model 200C and B200C King Airs; and to modify B300s (typically delivered with an eight-seat corporate interior) to allow more passengers and baggage to be carried.

Operational history

Super King Airs of the Argentine Navy saw active service during the Falklands War of 1982, used on night-time transport missions between Argentina and the islands. [ [http://www.laahs.com/artman/publish/article_211.shtml Latin American Aviation Historical Society article] mentioning Argentine Navy transport ops during the war. Retrieved 2007-10-24.]

A B300 was used as the presidential transport aircraft of Paraguay between 1991 and 1994. [ [http://www.laahs.com/artman/publish/article_65.shtml Presidential Aircraft in Paraguay] retrieved 2007-10-24.]

On 26 February 2004 the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski, was killed with eight others in the crash of a Model 200 Super King Air operated as a transport aircraft of the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. [ [http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/fyrm/gov/mac-govt.htm List of Governmental aircraft of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.] Retrieved: 14 August 2008.]

On 24 June 1996, the 5,000th King Air, a Model B300, was delivered. [http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/legacy/article.asp?id=346 Wings Over Kansas Beech King Air timeline] retrieved 2007-10-14.] Less than nine years later, on 24 January 2005, the 6,000th Beechcraft King Air, B200 c/no. BB-1884, was delivered. [http://www.raytheonaircraft.com/about_us/history/ Beechcraft History] retrieved 2007-10-14.] [ [http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/bizav/334-full.html#189038 AVWeb News Archive] retrieved 2007-10-14.] Beechcraft also delivered a special 40th Anniversary King Air (which was the 400th B300 as well) in 2005; the aircraft featured ruby-coloured exterior paint and real rubies in a special logo in the cabin. [ [http://www.aero-news.net/SpecialContent.cfm?ContentBlockID=4b73fda8-81cb-4934-a3bd-b13fe107c3dc&cat=11 Ruby-Encrusted King Air Coming to AirVenture] retrieved 2007-10-24.]

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) is a long-term [ [http://www.flyingdoctor.net/ar2001/page27.html Developments/changes In Australian Health Care] and [http://www.flyingdoctor.net/ar2001/page30.html RFDS 2000/2001 Fleet List] Dead link|date=August 2008; pages from the RFDS 2001 Annual Report retrieved 2007-10-16.] major operator of B200 and B200C King Airs (and previously Queen Airs and 90 series King Airs) as Air Ambulances. In all about three dozen 200 series King Airs have served with the RFDS. One was destroyed in a fatal crash near Mount Gambier, South Australia on 10 December 2001 [ [http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2001/AAIR/pdf/aair200105769_001.pdf ATSB Aviation Safety Investigation Report Number BO/200105769] retrieved 2007-10-30.] while others have been retired and replaced by newer King Airs. As of August 2008 the RFDS operates 31 200 series King Airs [ [http://www.casa.gov.au/casadata/regsearch/findairs.asp Australian civil aircraft register] searches, using "Royal Flying Doctor" and "RFDS" as search parameters. Searches conducted 2008-08-07.] throughout Australia.

A large number of military King Airs have been retired and of these, many have entered civil service with Law Enforcement and other government organisations in the United States such as State Police and Sheriff Departments; others are now being used by the Missionary Aviation Fellowship and subsidiary organisations. [US civil aircraft register online searches, using [http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/acftinqSQL.asp?striptxt=a200&mfrtxt=Beech&modeltxt=a200&cmndfind.x=9&cmndfind.y=13 "Beech" and "A200"] , and [http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/acftinqSQL.asp?striptxt=a200&mfrtxt=raytheon&modeltxt=a200&cmndfind.x=10&cmndfind.y=12 "Raytheon" and "A200"] , as the search parameters; then perusing individual entries for ownership details and conducting Google searches where necessary to establish owner activities. Searches conducted 2007-10-24.]

Beechcraft intended that the Super King Air would be replaced by the Starship, a very advanced aircraft that proved to be a commercial failure due to its inferior performance compared to promises, and high purchase price. While most of the Starship fleet has been scrapped, the King Air continues to sell in healthy numbers.

Variants

In roughly chronological order, the 200 and 300 Series King Air variants and production numbers are: [Unless otherwise noted, all information here is obtained from Production Lists in the book "Beechcraft - Pursuit of Perfection" and the online Production Lists available at [http://www.laasdata.com/turbos/ctowctry.php LAASdata.com] ]

;Model 200:Prototypes and initial production version, 858 built (c/nos. BB-1 to BB-853 except BB-734, BB-793 and BB-829, plus BB-871 to BB-873, BB-892, BB-893, BB-895, BB-912 and BB-991) including those converted to Model 200Ts; first prototype (c/no. BB-1) converted to PD 290 jet aircraft and first three production aircraft (c/nos. BB-3 to BB-5) delivered to US Army as Model A100-1s. ;Model A200:First model purpose-built for US military (Army and Air Force); 75 built (c/nos. BC-1 to BC-75).

;Model 200T :Version with removable wingtip fuel tanks similar to those fitted to the competing Piper Cheyenne, optional dome-shaped side windows in the rear fuselage, and modified belly to allow aerial photography. Prototype and subsequent aircraft converted from Model 200s and re-serialled; 23 delivered (c/nos. BT-1 to BT-22 and BT-28).

;Model A200C:Second military model built for US Navy and USMC with cargo door in LH rear fuselage; 90 built (c/nos. BJ-1 to BJ-66, BU-1 to BU-12 and BV-1 to BV-12).

;Model 200C:Civil equivalent to A200C; 36 built (c/nos. BL-1 to BL-36).

;Model A200CT:Third military model, built for US Army with cargo door and wingtip fuel tanks of Model 200T; 93 built (c/nos. BP-1 to BP-71, FC-1 to FC-3, GR-1 to GR-19).

;Model 200CT:Civil equivalent to A200CT; one aircraft converted from Model 200C c/no. BL-24 and re-serialled as c/no. BN-1.

;Model B200:Updated version of Model 200. 1,144 built [The Hawker Beechcraft aircraft Serial Number Lists 1945-2008 web page shows the last B200 as being c/no. BB-1998, however c/no. BB-2003 is [http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/serialsql.asp?serialtxt=bb-2003&sort_option=1&striptxt=bb2003&cmndfind.x=12&cmndfind.y=15 registered in the United States] ] (c/nos. BB-734, BB-793 and BB-829, BB-854 to BB-870, BB-874 to BB-891, BB-894, BB-896 to BB-911, BB-913 to BB-990, BB-992 to BB-2003) including those converted to Model B200Ts.
* C/nos. BB-1296, BB-1302, BB-1305, BB-1309, BB-1314, BB-1338 to BB-1343, BB-1376, BB-1383 and BB-1384 delivered as Model 1300s.
* C/nos. BB-1385 to BB-1388 were built for the Israeli Air Force and are not certified by the FAA.
* C/nos. BB-1834, BB-1843 and after fitted with Proline 21 avionics.

;Model B200C:Version of B200 with cargo door, 110 built (c/nos. BL-37 to BL-151, except BL-113 to BL-117, which were not built); 47 (c/nos. BL-72 to BL-123, except BL-113 to BL-117) to US Air Force as C-12Fs.
* C/nos. BL-148 to BL-151 fitted with Proline 21 avionics.
* A total of 65 other aircraft, similar in specification to the B200C, were built for the US military, but were not given 200 series designations by the FAA (c/nos. BW-1 to BW-29, FE-1 to FE-36).

;Model B200T:Version of B200 similar to Model 200T; aircraft converted from Model B200s and re-serialled. 23 delivered (c/nos. BT-23 to BT-27 and BT-29 to BT-46).
* C/nos. BT-39 to BT-46 were built for the Israeli Air Force and are not certified by the FAA.

;Model B200CT:Version of B200C with wingtip fuel tanks; all aircraft converted from B200Cs and re-serialled. Eight delivered (c/nos. BN-2 to BN-9) to Marina de Guerra del Perú (c/nos. BN-2 to BN-4) and Israeli Air Force.
* C/nos. BN-5 to BN-9, built for the Israeli Air Force, are not certified by the FAA.
* Another two similar aircraft were built for the Israeli Air Force without a Beech designation (c/nos. FG-1 and FG-2).

;Model 300:Two versions, the standard Model 300 with increased MTOW of 14,000 lb (6,300 kg) and the Model 300LW with MTOW limited to 12,500 lb (5,700 kg) to meet the aviation regulatory requirements of various countries. 247 built (c/nos. FA-1 to FA-230 and FF-1 to FF-19; FA-126 and FA-129 converted to FF-1 and FF-2), of which 35 were Model 300LWs.
* C/nos. FF-1 to FF-19 were built specifically for the FAA for use in navaid calibration.

;Model B300:Stretched model with two extra cabin windows each side of forward fuselage and winglets on wingtips; in production. About 610 built [As of August 2008 the most recently-built B300 for which online records are available is c/no. FL-613.] as of August 2008 (c/nos. FL-1 and after).
* C/nos. FL-381, FL-383 and after fitted with Proline 21 avionics.
* C/no. FL-424 modified as King Air 350ER prototype, c/nos. FL-546 and FL-568 delivered as 350ERs. [http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/service_support/pubs/docs/nontechnical/serializationList.pdf Hawker Beechcraft aircraft Serial Number Lists 1945-2008] retrieved 2008-08-07.]

;Model B300C:Version of B300 with cargo door; available for order. 19 built as of August 2008 (c/nos. FM-1 to FM-18 and FN-1).
* C/nos. FN-1 built for the Swiss Air Force with modifications for aerial surveillance.
* C/nos. FM-12 and after fitted with Proline 21 avionics.
* C/nos. FM-14 and FM-16 to FM-18 modified prior to delivery with underwing hardpoints and delivered as B300CERs.

;Model B200GT:Updated version of B200; current civil production model. About 70 built [As of August 2008 the most recently-built B200GT for which online records are available is c/no. BY-68.] as of August 2008 (c/nos BY-1 and after).

;Model B200CGT:Updated version of B200C; available for order but none built as of August 2008 (c/nos BZ-1 and after).

The ICAO designator, such as might be used in a PIREP or a flight plan, for the various Super King Airs are BE20 (model 200), BE30 (model 300), and B350 (model 350).

Operators

More than 6,500 aircraft of the King Air line have been delivered and are operated by corporate, commercial, military and special mission operations in more than 94 countries. [ [http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/raytheon_bk_air200/ Aerospace technology.com] , retrieved July 30, 2006] About 52% of the aircraft delivered have been from the 200/300 series family.

Military

;ALG
* Algerian Air Force;ANG
* People's Air and Air Defence Force of Angola;ARG
* Navy;AUS
* Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force;BAH
* Royal Bahamas Defence Force;BOL;BOT
* Botswana Air Force;BFA
* Air Force;CAM;CAN
* Canadian Forces Air Command;CHI;COL;CIV
* Côte d'Ivoire Air Force;ECU;EGY;GRE;GUA;flag|Hong Kong|colonial
* Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force;IND
* Border Security Force
* Aviation Research Centre;IDN;IRQ;IRL;ISR;JAM;JPN
* Japan Ground Self-Defense Force;MYS;MEX;MAR;NED;NZL
* Royal New Zealand Air Force
** No. 42 Squadron RNZAF;PAK;PAR;PER
* Peruvian Navy;SAU;RSA;KOR;ESP;SRI;SWE;SUI;THA
* Royal Thai Army;TOG;TUR;UAE
* United Arab Emirates Air Force;UK
* Royal Air Force
* British Army - Army Air Corps;URY;VEN

Non-Military

;AUS:
* Ambulance Service of New South Wales, Government of the State of Queensland, Network Aviation, Pearl Aviation, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia;BEL:
* Abelag Aviation;CAN:
* British Columbia Ambulance Service, HeliJet, Keystone Air Service, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Voyageur Airways, West Wind Aviation, Government of Alberta, Alberta Medlink, Sunwest Home Aviation, Alkan Air;COD:
* Air Tropiques;DEN:
* Lego Group corporate Flight Department;FIN:
* Finnish Aviation Academy;FRA:
* Aero Services Executive, Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile, Sécurité Civile ;GER:
* ADAC;GRL:
* Air Greenland;HKG:
* Government Flying Service;IND:
* Various State Governments;MEX:
* Government of the State of Veracruz;MOZ:
* Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique;NGA:
* Wings Aviation;NOR:
* Lufttransport;PNG:
* Department of Civil Aviation, Government Flying Unit, Hevilift [ [http://www.casr.gov.pg/Aircraft.html Papua New Guinea Civil Aircraft Register] retrieved 2007-10-31.] ;SWE:
* SOS Flygambulans;SUI:
* Air Glaciers;THA:
* Air Phoenix;UKR:
* Aerostar Airlines;UK:
* Dragonfly Executive Air Charter, Scottish Ambulance Service;USA [ [http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/name_inquiry.asp US civil aircraft register] search using "State of" as the Owner Name search parameter. Search conducted 2007-10-31.] [ [http://www.landings.com/evird.acgi$pass*98049640!_h-www.landings.com/_landings/pages/search/search_nnr-complex.html US civil aircraft register] search using "Beech 200/300" as Aircraft Model, and "Department of" as the Owner Name search parameter. Search conducted 2007-10-31.] [ [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?aircraft_genericsearch=Beech+200+Super+King+Air+%28C-12%29%7CBeech+Super+King+Air+200%7CRaytheon+200+Super+King+Air&airlinesearch=&countrysearch=USA%25&specialsearch=goverment&daterange=&keywords=&range=&sort_order=&page_limit=15&thumbnails=&calccount=1223169&truecount=false&engine_version=6.0 Airliners.net photo database search for Government-operated 200 series King Airs in the USA.] Search conducted 2007-10-31.] :
*Federal Government operators: Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, US Customs and Border Protection Agency
*State Government operators: Governments of the States of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin; Arkansas State Police, Maryland State Police, New York State Police;VIE:
* Vietnam Air Service Company

pecifications (King Air B200)

aircraft specifications

plane or copter?=plane
jet or prop?=prop
ref=Airliners.net, Jane's All the World's Aircraftcite airliners.net
title=Raytheon Beechcraft King Air 200
url=http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=328
accessdate=2006-07-30] , cite book
title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft
last=Jackson
first=Paul
coauthors=Munson, Kenneth; Peacock, Lindsay
publisher=Jane's Information Group
id=ISBN 0-7106-2684-3]
crew=1-2
capacity=13 passengers
length main=43 ft 9 in
length alt=13.34 m
span main=54 ft 6 in
span alt=16.61 m
height main=15 ft 0 in
height alt=4.57 m
area main=303 ft²
area alt=28.2 m²
empty weight main=7,755 lb
empty weight alt=3,520 kg
max takeoff weight main=12,500 lb
max takeoff weight alt=5,670 kg
engine (prop)=Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42
type of prop=turboprops
number of props=2
power main=850 shp
power alt=635 kW
max speed main=339 mph
max speed alt=294 knots, 545 km/h
max speed more=at 25,000 ft (7,600m)
cruise speed main= 333 mph
cruise speed alt= 289 knots ,536 km/h
cruise speed more= at 25,000 ft (max cruise)
stall speed main= 86 mph
stall speed alt= 75 knots, 139 km/h
stall speed more= IAS (flaps down)
range main=2,075 mi
range alt=1,800 nm, 3,338 km
range more=with maximum fuel and 45 minute reserve
ceiling main=32,800 ft
ceiling alt=10,700 m
climb rate main=2,450 ft/min
climb rate alt=12.5 m/s
loading main=41.3 lb/ft²
loading alt=201.6 kg/m²
power/mass main=0.14 hp/lb
power/mass alt=220 W/kg

ee also

aircontent
related=
* Beechcraft Queen Air
* Beechcraft King Air
* C-12 Huron
* Beechcraft 1900
similar aircraft=
* Cessna 425
* Cessna 441
* Mitsubishi MU-2
* Piper PA-31T Cheyenne
* Embraer EMB 121 Xingu
lists=
* List of active United Kingdom military aircraft
see also=
* 2000 Australia Beechcraft King Air crash

References and sources

References

ources

*cite journal |last=Jackson |first=Paul |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2003 |month= |title= Beech King Air B200 |journal= Jane's All the World's Aircraft |volume= 2003-2004 |issue= |pages=p. 531–532 |id= ISBN 0-7106-2537-5 |url= |accessdate= 2007-10-08 |quote=
*Phillips, Edward H. "Beechcraft - Pursuit of Perfection, A History of Beechcraft Airplanes". Flying Books, Eagan, Minnesota 1992. ISBN 0-911139-11-7

External links

* [http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/beechcraft/ Beechcraft King Air website]