King Air A100 base model

The King Air A100, introduced by Beechcraft in 1964, was the first production model of the celebrated King Air line and quickly established a new benchmark for twin‑engine turboprop aircraft. Developed from the earlier Model 65 (the “Beechcraft Duke”), the A100 featured a pressurised cabin, a maximum cruise speed of 285 knots, and a range of roughly 1,500 nautical miles, allowing it to serve both corporate and regional airline markets. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 engines delivering 620 shaft horsepower each, the aircraft provided reliable performance, excellent short‑field capability, and a smooth ride that appealed to operators worldwide. Its all‑metal low‑wing design, retractable tricycle gear, and spacious cabin with up to eight passenger seats set a standard that later King Air variants would refine. The A100’s introduction marked Beechcraft’s successful transition from piston‑engine to turbine technology, paving the way for the highly successful Model 90 and subsequent series that dominate the turboprop segment today. As a workhorse of utility, cargo, and medical‑evacuation missions, the King Air A100 remains a pivotal chapter in aviation history, illustrating how versatility and robust engineering can create a lasting legacy.

Beechcraft

King Air A100 base model

Classification

Design & Classification