Beechcraft King Air B200
If you need to reach small and isolated airfields which are inaccessible to other, particularly larger, aircraft, the King Air 200 from Beechcraft is a great option.
Seating eight passengers, the 200 is perfect for short-haul flights, business trips or business meetings, as it can bring you as close as possible to your destination. This turboprop aircraft offers fantastic value for money and the cabin's Club 4 seating arrangement guarantees your comfort. Over the years since the King Air 200's launch in 1969 by Beechcraft, a number of upgraded versions have been produced, most recently the B200GT and B200CGT, which offer performance-enhancing modifications, improving range, speed and cabin comfort.
Turboprop
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft |
| Category | Turboprop |
| Range* | 2446 km 1321 NM |
| Cruise speed | 537 km/h 290 kts |
| Seats** | 7 |
| Suitcases | 2 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
The King Air 200 began as the Model 101 project in 1969, developed from the successful Model 100 King Air series. The first prototype flew on October 27, 1972, followed by a second prototype on December 15 the same year.
The Model 200 featured the same fuselage as the Model 100 but introduced a distinctive T-tail configuration and structural changes to allow higher cabin pressurization. The aircraft received civil certification in December 1973, with the first customer delivery completed in February 1974.
Beechcraft introduced the improved B200 variant in 1981, featuring upgraded Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42 engines rated at 850 shaft horsepower. While maintaining the same power rating as the original PT6A-41 engines, the newer powerplants delivered improved performance and increased maximum pressurization to 6.5 psi differential.
The King Air B200 found extensive military use, with the U.S. Army acquiring several hundred aircraft designated as C-12 Hurons. The B200 series has remained in continuous production since 1974, establishing the longest production run of any civilian turboprop in its class and becoming one of the most successful business aircraft ever built.
FAQ
How far can the King Air 200 fly without refuelling?
The Beechcraft King Air 200 has an NBAA IFR range of 2,446–3,185 km (920–1,720 nm), depending on conditions and configuration. This covers routes such as Paris–Athens, London–Marrakech, or New York–Miami without a fuel stop.
How does the King Air 200 compare with the King Air 350?
The King Air 200 seats 7 passengers, and flies about 1,704–3,185 km (920–1,720 nm). It is valued for its efficiency on short to mid-range trips and its ability to use smaller airfields. The larger King Air 350 (and 350i) also seats 7 passengers, extends range to around 3,345 km (1,806 nm), and has a quieter, more spacious cabin. The 200 remains practical for regional flights, while the 350 is often selected for longer routes or when additional comfort is a priority.
Is the King Air 200 less expensive to charter than a jet?
Yes. The King Air 200 is generally less expensive to charter than light jets such as the Citation CJ2 or Phenom 300. Its turboprop engines burn less fuel, which helps keep hourly rates lower while still providing a pressurised cabin for 7 passengers (standard configuration). Jets cruise faster, but on flights under 2–3 hours the difference in travel time is often small. The King Air 200 is also well suited for direct access to regional airports that jets cannot always reach.
What are the main variants of the King Air 200, and how do they differ?
The first King Air 200 came with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 engines and the distinctive T-tail. It was followed by the B200, upgraded with PT6A-42 engines for stronger climb and cruise performance. The latest B200GT uses PT6A-52 engines and modern avionics, improving efficiency and high-altitude capability. All share the same 7-passenger cabin (standard configuration), but newer models fly faster, use fuel more efficiently, are equipped with more advanced flight deck systems.
