Designed by Beech Aircraft Corporation, the Super King Air 200 first flew on Oct. 27, 1972. Re-designated the King Air B200 in 1981, the King Air is the most popular business aircraft in its class. A subsidiary of Raytheon from 1980 to 2007, Beech Aircraft was sold to GS Capital Partners and became Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.
The King Air B200 is a turboprop aircraft powered by twin 850 horsepower Pratt and Whitney Canada engines. With a payload of 2,195 pounds, the B200 can transport four passengers up to 1,168 nautical miles and can operate on runways under 3,000 feet. Forty-three feet in length, the B200's wingspan is 54 feet, 10 inches; its distinctive t-tail is 14 feet, 10 inches. The B200 is capable of operating at 35,000 feet at a maximum airspeed of 308 knots.
With dual controls for a crew of two, the B200 is capable of being operated by a single pilot. The Pro Line 21 avionics suite from Rockwell Collins comes standard on all models and includes an autopilot, GPS, and multiple information and flight management systems. As of 2005, the AirCell ST3100 Itridium satellite telecommunications system is an available option.
Referred to by the manufacturer as a "squared-oval," the B200's cabin is fully pressurized. Current civilian models include leather seating for eight passengers, 11 windows with sun shields, executive tables, solid wood accents and four available AC outlets. On the B200GT, electronically tuned vibration absorbers are placed throughout the cabin to reduce propeller noise.
As of 2010, Beechcraft manufacturers the King Air B200GT for civilian use. Many military and special mission variants have been produced, including the B200C (Greece) and B200CT (Israeli Air Force). The C-12F is a variant of the B200 used by the U.S. Army, Air National Guard and the U.S. Army National Guard. The U.S. Navy uses the UC-12F for surface radar search operations and the C-12R for aerial mapping. Other modified B200s are in service with the UK Royal Air Force and as air ambulances for Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service.
