King Air B100

The Beechcraft King Air B100, introduced in 1980, is a twin‑engine turboprop that built on the success of the earlier Model 90 series. Developed by Beechcraft’s Wichita facility, the B100 featured an upgraded Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑21 engine delivering 550 shaft horsepower per propeller, which gave the aircraft a higher cruise speed of about 300 knots and a service ceiling of 35,000 feet. Its pressurized cabin, capable of seating up to eight passengers or a combination of passengers and cargo, was equipped with a redesigned cockpit that incorporated modern avionics such as the Collins Pro Line 21 system in later upgrades. The B100’s robust airframe and reliable engines made it popular among corporate operators, air‑ambulance services, and government agencies, offering a balance of performance, operating economy, and short‑field capability. Over its production run, more than 540 units were delivered, cementing the King Air line as one of the most versatile platforms in general aviation. The B100’s legacy lies in its contribution to the evolution of turboprop transport, influencing subsequent models like the King Air 200 and securing Beechcraft’s reputation for durable, high‑utility aircraft.

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