King Air F90

The Beechcraft King Air F90, introduced in 1968, is a twin‑engine turboprop that marked the transition of the long‑standing King Air line from piston‑driven aircraft to modern turbine power. Developed from the earlier Model 90 series, the F90 incorporated a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑21 engine delivering 550 shaft horsepower per engine, which gave it a cruising speed of roughly 300 knots and a service ceiling above 30,000 feet. Its all‑metal airframe, pressurized cabin, and retractable tricycle landing gear set new standards for reliability, comfort, and operational flexibility in the light‑to‑medium business‑aviation market.

Key features include a spacious 5‑ to 7‑seat cabin with large windows, advanced avionics that evolved from analog gauges to modern glass panels, and robust short‑field performance that allowed operations from gravel strips and regional airports. The F90’s straightforward maintenance schedule and fuel‑efficient turboprop engine contributed to low operating costs, making it popular with corporate flight departments, air‑ambulance services, and governmental agencies.

Throughout its production run, the King Air F90 helped establish the turboprop as a viable alternative to jets for missions requiring range, payload, and runway versatility, cementing Beechcraft’s reputation as an innovator in utility aviation.

Beechcraft

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