Beechcraft Launches King Air 360

Beechcraft King Air 360

Textron Aviation has announced a new version of one of the most popular and longest-lived planes in aviation, the Beechcraft King Air. The new King Air 360 is an update to the company's model 350, the biggest King Air of the clan, and one that has been popular in recent years with customers with mission needs ranging from search-and-rescue to executive transport. Which isn't too surprising, as the hallmark of the King Air is its impressive flexibility.

The most noteworthy technical updates that define the King Air 360 are the engine controls. The Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-60A turboprop engines (1,050 shp each) are now equipped with autothrottles by IS&S, to ease pilot workload. They're a first in the King Air lineup and are supported with additional digital indicators on the impressive Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.

And the big twin has also gotten a range of new interior cabin options, including the King Ranch version, which is our favorite.

For more information and see some more gorgeous shots of the newest King Air, check out Beechcraft's King Air 360 pages.

Plane & PilotStaff