JRB-2 Voyager

The Beechcraft JRB‑2 Voyager is a twin‑engine, high‑performance turboprop introduced in 1998 as an evolution of the company’s long‑standing King Air line. Developed under the project code JRB‑2, the aircraft combined a reinforced composite airframe with the latest Garrett TPE331‑14 engines, delivering 1,650 shaft‑horsepower and a cruise speed of 340 knots. Its first flight took place on 12 March 1998 at Beechcraft’s Wichita facility, and certification was achieved the following year, allowing entry into both corporate and regional airline markets.

Key features include a fully glass cockpit equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, an integrated health‑monitoring system, and a pressurised cabin capable of seating up to ten passengers in a configurable layout. The Voyager’s fuel‑efficient design provides a range of 2,300 nautical miles, while its advanced wing‑let configuration reduces drag and improves climb performance. Its robust landing gear and short‑field capabilities enable operations from runways as short as 2,500 feet.

The JRB‑2 Voyager is significant because it bridged the gap between light turboprops and larger regional jets, offering airlines a cost‑effective alternative with lower operating expenses and superior reliability. Its success helped solidify Beechcraft’s reputation for innovative, versatile aircraft in the late‑20th‑century general‑aviation market.