2021 – Present
Key Facts
- Part of the Beechcraft King Air family, the longest production run of civilian turboprop family of aircraft.
- Each engines produces 850 horsepower, enabling the King Air 260 to cruise at 310 knots at a maximum altitude of 35,000 feet.
- Advanced soundproofing technology makes conversations easy within the cabin of the King Air 260.
- The rear of the aircraft features a lavatory to ensure that passengers remain comfortable on longer flights.
- The cockpit is equipped with the Pro Line Fusion avionics suite to increase simplicity, features and decrease pilot workload.
Overview and History
The King Air 260 was announced to the world on December 2 2020. The 260 is the latest variant of the King Air 200 series. Certification and deliveries are expected in the first half of 2021.
Latest improvements include an updated autothrottle, Multi-Scan weather radar, increased range and increased top speed.
The Beechcraft Super King Air family dates back to the 1970s. The family of aircraft have been in continuous production since 1974.
The family of aircraft are all powered by twin turboprops. This makes the King Air family the longest production run of any civilian turboprop of its class.
According to Beechcraft, the latest King Air 260 represents the “next level of performance for one of the world’s most iconic aircraft”.
As to be expected with an aircraft refresh, technology within the cockpit has been vastly improved, as has passenger comfort and aircraft versatility. The King Air 260 is the latest aircraft update from Beechcraft, along with the King Air 360 and King Air 360ER.
King Air 260 Performance
The King Air 260 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engines, with each one putting out 850 shp (shaft horsepower).
The propellers are 4 blade composites, featuring constant speed and auto feather. This enables the King Air to take off in 2,111 feet and land in a minimum distance of 2,845 feet. The aircraft has a Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) comes in at 12,500 lbs (5,760 KG).
When in the cruise the aircraft can sustain a maximum cruise speed of 310 knots at a maximum altitude of 35,000 feet. Furthermore, when optimized for its best range it can fly up to 1,720 Nautical Miles (1,979 Miles / 3,185 KM) without needing to refuel.
King Air 260 Interior
Inside Beechcraft have developed the King Air to act as a mobile boardroom or family room. Executive seating, fold-out tables, power outlets and optional wireless connectivity provide maximum comfort for passengers. The leather seats have been designed to maximize passenger comfort for whether you are working or relaxing.
Advanced soundproofing technology make conversations within the King Air much easier. Further acoustic technologies deliver the quietest turboprop experience available. Passengers will find ample headroom within the comfort, along with plenty of shoulder room.
According to Beechcraft, the King Air 260 is equipped with more cabin amenities that you would find in single-engine turboprops and aircraft costing millions more. Exact details of this are two stowable work tables, a built-in refreshment center, electronically dimmable windows, power outlets and a lavatory in the rear.
The cabin is arranged with four seats in a club configuration and two forward facing pedestal seats behind that.
Cockpit
Beechcraft have upgraded the avionics at the front of 260 and integrated the Pro Line Fusion avionics suite. The intuitive touch screen controlled flight deck simplifies how pilots aviate, navigate and communicate. According to Beechcraft, this cockpit is where simplicity meets cutting-edge performance, durability and reliability.
Features such as the IS&S ThrustSense autothrottle help to reduce pilot workload through providing precise throttle control. Overtorque and overtemp protection are included to make for a more efficient take off.
Digital pressurization automatically schedules cabin pressure on both climb and descent, increasing passenger comfort and reducing pilot workload.
Furthermore, the MultiScan weather radar features turbulence detection technology. As a result, turbulence can be better avoided, therefore increasing passenger comfort. A de-icing system and fast windscreen wipers enable flight in various weather conditions, increasing operational capabilities and safety.
King Air 260 Charter Cost
The estimated charter cost of a King Air 260 is $2,200 per flight hour.
Naturally, prices will vary depending on availability, fuel prices, ground fees and more. However, the aircraft is yet to hit the charter market so you will have to be patient to find on that is available in your region.
Purchase Price
The list price for a King Air 260 is $6.7 million before additional options are selected. As mentioned with charter availability, deliveries at due to start in early 2021 so there are no pre-owned aircraft on the market as of yet.
Performance |
Comfort |
Weights |
|---|---|---|
| Range: 1,720 nm | Number of Passengers: 7 | Baggage Capacity: 55.3 Cubic Feet |
| Cruise Speed: 310 knots | Cabin Pressure: N/A PSI | Max Take-Off Weight: 12,500 lbs |
| Ceiling: 35,000 feet | Cabin Altitude: 10,000 feet | Max Landing Weight: 12,500 lbs |
| Take-Off Distance: 2,111 feet | Production Start: 2021 | |
| Landing Distance: 2,845 feet | Production End: Present |
Dimensions |
Power |
|---|---|
| Exterior Length: 43.8 feet | Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney Canada |
| Exterior Height: 14.8 feet | Engine Model: PT6A-52 |
| Wingspan: 57.9 feet | Fuel Burn: 80 Gallons per Hour |
| Interior Length: 16.7 feet | |
| Interior Width: 4.5 feet | |
| Interior Height: 4.8 feet | |
| Interior/Exterior Ratio: 38% |
