Beechcraft King Air B100 Twin Turboprop Utility Aircraft

Introduction to the Beechcraft King Air B100

The Beechcraft King Air B100 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that first flew in 1969. Produced by Beech Aircraft Corporation, now part of Textron Aviation, it remains in production today as the King Air 250. Over 7,000 King Air aircraft have been delivered since 1964, making it one of the most successful turbine-powered business and utility aircraft families ever built. Let's take a closer look at the history and features of the venerable B100 King Air.

Development of the B100

The King Air line traces its origins to the Model 50 Twin Bonanza and Queen Air business aircraft produced by Beech in the 1950s and 60s. Seeking to expand their twin turboprop offerings, Beech developed the Model 65-90 King Air prototype which first flew in 1963. After additional refinements, the Model 65-90 was certified by the FAA in 1964 as the King Air 90.

The King Air 90 featured two powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engines driving three-bladed propellers. The PT6 introduced turboprop power to the business and utility aviation markets in a reliable and economical package. The King Air 90's fuselage was stretched over the Queen Air to provide more interior room for passengers and luggage.

In 1969, Beech introduced the Model B90 King Air, featuring updated Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20 engines producing 550 horsepower each. Like the Model 90, the B90 seated a maximum of 10 passengers in a spacious cabin and had a range of over 1,500 miles. Over the next decades, Beech would continue updating the B90's engines and avionics to offer more performance and capabilities.

B100 King Air Design and Performance

The King Air B100 uses an all-metal low wing monoplane configuration. Its fuselage is designed for pressurization, allowing the aircraft to operate at higher altitudes in greater comfort. A distinctive T-tail provides stability and clearance for the large three-bladed propellers. The main landing gear retracts into the engine nacelles, reducing drag.

Power is provided by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-28 engines producing 650 shaft horsepower each. The B100 has a maximum cruise speed of about 300 mph and a range of just over 1,500 miles with maximum fuel and reserves. It can fly as high as 35,000 feet and weighs around 11,800 pounds fully loaded.

The B100's cabin is 12.5 feet long and 4.6 feet wide, capable of carrying 2 crew and up to 8 passengers. There is ample room for luggage and equipment storage as well. The aircraft is certified for single pilot operation under IFR flight rules.

More than 1,100 B100 King Airs were produced before the model ended production in 1981. It was replaced by the updated King Air 200 series. The B100 proved the versatility of the King Air family for corporate transportation, air taxi, air ambulance, military missions, and more roles. Many B100s are still in active service today.

Flying the King Air B100

Pilots appreciate the B100 King Air's excellent performance, stability, and handling. Powerful turboprop engines provide strong climb and cruise speeds while burning efficient Jet A kerosene fuel. Dual-engine redundancy enhances safety on long cross country flights.

Cockpit visibility is excellent thanks to the high wing and large windows. Updated avionics suites with digital glass displays and GPS navigation provide enhanced situational awareness. The auto-pilot helps reduce pilot workload on longer flights.

Takeoff acceleration in the B100 is exhilarating as the props pitch into fine and the turboprops spool up with a characteristic whine. Liftoff speed is around 90 mph as the B100 rotates smoothly into a climb. At cruising altitude, the props pitch back to a lower RPM setting for quiet and efficient performance.

The B100 handles smoothly in flight with its well-harmonized controls. The advanced T-tail provides stability with lighter control forces. It cruises comfortably at 300 mph while sipping just over 200 gallons of fuel per hour. Descending back into the airport, pilots keep speeds up for the benefit of the turbine engines.

Overall, the B100 provides an excellent blend of speed, range, payload, comfort, and operating economics. Its proven airframe and engines deliver superior utility with the performance of a turboprop. The King Air continues to be popular today with over 7,000 models delivered worldwide.

Operating and Maintaining the B100

While designed for ease of operation, pilots transitioning to the B100 King Air must obtain a type rating and complete aircraft-specific training. The B100's systems, weight and balance, performance charts, and handling characteristics require study and practice.

Standard procedure flows, checklists and limitations must be learned. Powerplant management techniques help extend engine life and avoid hot starts or other damaging conditions. Mastering the advanced avionics optimizes the capabilities provided.

Maintenance costs on the B100 King Air average around $650 per flight hour. This includes inspections, overhauls, routine servicing, and unexpected repairs. The engines are the main cost driver, typically requiring a hot section inspection every 1,200-1,500 hours along with other maintenance.

Updated avionics may be desired to keep pace with evolving airspace requirements. Many owners choose to upgrade engines, interiors and systems to extend the aircraft's service life. Joining a type club connects owners and pilots with technical support and shared experience.

Overall, the B100 provides excellent value for operators needing a fast, flexible, and stable utility aircraft. While not inexpensive to acquire and operate, its capabilities and longevity help offset long-term costs across thousands of flight hours and decades of service.

Conclusion

The Beechcraft King Air B100 established a new standard in corporate and utility turboprop aircraft when introduced in the late 1960s. Its combination of performance, capacity, comfort and economics has made it one of the most successful aircraft in its class for over 50 years.

From medevac operations to private ownership, the venerable B100 continues to deliver capabilities to match its pilot's mission. Ongoing improvements in airframe durability, engine efficiency and updated avionics keep it relevant even as new models like the King Air 350 arrive.

For pilots who thrill at the sight of the iconic T-tail on the ramp, the King Air B100 represents aviation history they can participate in first-hand. As King Airs continue rolling off assembly lines in Wichita, the heritage of the B100 lives on as Beechcraft builds on its landmark design.

FAQs

How many passengers can the B100 King Air carry?

The B100 is certified to carry a maximum of 10 occupants including 2 pilots, with 8 passenger seats typically installed.

What is the range of the B100 King Air?

With maximum fuel and IFR reserves, the B100 has a range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles.

How fast can the B100 King Air fly?

Its maximum cruise speed is 300 mph, while normal cruise speed is approximately 275 mph.

What kind of engines does it use?

The B100 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-28 turboprop engines producing 650 horsepower each.

How much does a B100 King Air cost?

Used B100s typically sell for $450,000 to $1 million depending on their condition, avionics, engines and maintenance history.