BEECHCRAFT 1900

1983’€“ Present

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Beech 1900 was developed by Raytheon-owned Beechcraft in the early 1980s, derived from the King Air 200, to re-enter the regional aircraft market as a 19-passenger commuter aircraft.
  • It first flew in 1982 and received FAA certification in 1983, with the 1900C model later increasing fuel capacity.
  • The 1991 1900D model introduced significant enhancements including a taller fuselage for stand-up headroom, larger passenger doors, improved performance with winglets and bigger engines, and an ExecLiner business configuration.
  • By 1997, Raytheon had delivered 500 units of the Beech 1900.
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STANDARD DATA: 1900D Seats 19+2. Gross wt. 17,120. Empty wt 10,650. Engines two 1,280-shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67D turboprops. Fuel 665.
PERFORMANCE: Max Cruise 288 kts. Initial climb rate 1,910. Ceiling 25,000. Range 1,498 nm. Takeoff 3,813′. Landing 2,790′.

After Raytheon acquired Beechcraft, the company looked for a re-entry into the regional aircraft market. The Beech 1900 derived from the King Air 200 with nearly 18 more feet of fuselage to accommodate the 19 passengers. The first Beech 1900 flew in 1982 with FAA certification coming the next year. The 1900C model was the first significant improvement, upping the fuel capacity another 245 gallons. In 1991, the 1900D began service with a taller fuselage to allow standup headroom and larger passenger doors. Winglets improved and bigger engines improved performance, and the aircraft was also offered in a 10+ seat ExecLiner business configuration. In 1997, Raytheon delivered their 500th Beech 1900.

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