King Air A100C

The King Air A100C is a twin‑engine turboprop that represents the apex of Beechcraft’s early Model 100 series, a line that began with the Model 90 in the late 1960s. First rolled out in 1972, the A100C entered production after the successful A100, incorporating a stretched, fully pressurised cabin and upgraded PT6A‑21 engines that deliver 550 shaft‑horsepower each. These powerplants give the aircraft a cruise speed near 300 knots, a range of approximately 1 800 nautical miles, and a service ceiling of 35 000 feet, while the reinforced wing and improved landing gear enhance payload capacity and short‑field performance.

Historically, the A100C cemented Beechcraft’s reputation for versatile, high‑performance business and utility aircraft. Its spacious, climate‑controlled cabin accommodated up to nine passengers or a configurable cargo layout, making it popular with corporate fleets, air‑ambulance operators, and military customers worldwide. The model’s reliability and relatively low operating costs helped popularise twin‑turboprop transport in the 1970s, influencing later designs such as the King Air 200 series. Today, the A100C remains a prized retro‑fit platform, valued for its robust engineering, proven safety record, and enduring role in connecting remote regions with speed and comfort.

Beechcraft

Classification

Design & Classification