Beechcraft King Air

In May of 1963 Beechcraft (now Raytheon) began test flights of a new aircraft. On September 9, 1964 the first production King Air 90 rolled off the line. By the end of 1968 more than 400 had been delivered.

On May 23, 1969 the King Air 100 was introduced, offering an increase in performance over the 90.

Other models were released: the A90, C90(B), A100, E90 and F90, each improving on the previous model. Most King Air models are equipped with a variation of the reliable Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A series turboprop engines, although at least one model is equipped with the problematic single-shaft Alison engine.

On October 27, 1972 the T-tailed Super King Air 200 (B200) was introduced. This model had greatly improved performance over previous models.

The Model 350 made its first flight on September 3, 1983 and was replaced in 1988 by the 300.

On June 24, 1996 Raytheon Aircraft delivered the 5000th King Air. Thousands of King Air variants are in service around the world.