The latest model in the popular Beechcraft turboprop series is officially in production!
Textron Aviation announced at VBACE 2020 that the Beechcraft King Air 260 is already in production for deliveries to begin in the first half of 2021.
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| The King Air 260 is the newest model in Textron's popular Beechcraft turboprop series. |
Like the King Air 360, which entered service in late October, features the integration of the Innovative Solutions & Support ThrustSense autothrottle into the flight deck. This feature accommodates acceleration and climb while operating with one single engine. The new models are also fitted with a digital pressurization controller and Collins Aerospace Multi-Scan RTA-4112 radar system for detecting short-, medium-, and long-range weather as part of a standard order.
The 260 has a range of 1,720 nm, with a max cruise speed of 310 KTAS. It can carry up to nine occupants, who can enjoy the newly designed cabin seats that use pressure-mapping process to increase comfort for longer flights.
“These investments reflect our commitment to providing superior upgrades and engineering innovation that create the best flying experience for Beechcraft King Air 260 owners and operators around the world,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO for Textron Aviation.
"I’m proud of the impressive effort by our team for taking a legendary aircraft and adding technological advancements that will allow customers to achieve their varied missions.”
Nearly 7,600 King Airs have been delivered to date. With these technological upgrades, it's likely the King Air 260 will also contribute to the success of this series.
Airline travel has become increasingly difficult amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so private aviation is seeing a rise in popularity. Major airlines even cancelled flights because of pilot personnel shortages over the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, so more private charters will likely take fight this holiday season.
The release of the newest King Air could not have come at a better time for people around the world looking for a more comfortable, safe option for long-range travel. It it bound to be one of the successful models of this pilot and passenger favorite aircraft line.
