King Air C100

The Beechcraft King Air C100, introduced in 1969, marked the entry of Beechcraft into the fast‑growing twin‑engine turboprop market. Developed from the earlier Model 90 series, the C100 combined the rugged airframe of the King Air line with the Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑21 engine, delivering 550 shaft‑horsepower per propeller. Its pressurized cabin, capable of seating six to eight passengers, offered airline‑level comfort at a fraction of the cost of jet aircraft, making it popular with corporate users, air‑ambulance operators, and regional carriers. The aircraft’s all‑metal construction, low‑wing layout, and retractable tricycle landing gear contributed to a cruising speed of about 300 knots and a range of roughly 1,200 nautical miles, while its short‑field performance allowed operations from runways as short as 2,300 feet. Over the decades the C100 proved reliable, accumulating hundreds of thousands of flight hours and spawning numerous upgrades, including upgraded avionics and engine variants. Its versatility helped establish the King Air family as a benchmark for utility turboprops, influencing design standards for subsequent models and cementing Beechcraft’s reputation for durable, high‑performance general‑aviation aircraft. Today the C100 remains a valued platform for training and special‑mission roles, underscoring its lasting impact on modern aviation.

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