King Air C90-1

The Beechcraft King Air C90‑1, introduced in 1975, was the first model of the now‑legendary King Air series and quickly became a benchmark for light twin‑engine turboprop operations. Developed from the earlier Model 90, the C90‑1 combined a pressurized cabin, robust Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑21 engines delivering 550 shaft‑horsepower each, and a simple yet durable airframe that could operate from short, unpaved runways. Its cruise speed of roughly 260 knots, a range of about 1,200 nautical miles, and a service ceiling near 35,000 feet gave operators unprecedented flexibility for corporate, medevac, and regional airline missions. The aircraft’s fixed tricycle landing gear and straightforward cockpit layout reduced maintenance costs, while its modular interior allowed rapid conversion between passenger and cargo configurations. Over 800 C90‑1s were built, establishing the King Air brand as a workhorse for both civilian and military users worldwide. The model’s reliability and performance set the standard for subsequent King Air variants and cemented Beechcraft’s reputation for producing versatile, high‑utility aircraft that continue to shape general aviation today. Its proven design principles have informed the development of modern turboprop trainers and surveillance platforms, underscoring the C90‑1’s lasting impact on aircraft engineering.

Beechcraft

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