The King Air family is commonly divided into two main groups: the 90 and 100 models, and the 200 and 300 "Super" King Air models. The King Air series began with the development of the prototype Model 87, a modified Queen Air, in 1963. Following testing and certification, this model entered service in the US Army as the NU-8F, and became the civilian Model 65-90. The King Air 90 went through numerous modifications, including the A90, B90, C90, F90 and G90. The G90 was a test platform and never entered production.
The King Air 100 is a stretched version of the Model 90, and can be easily identified by its five cabin windows, rather than the three cabin windows on the Model 90s. The Model 100 was first flown on March 17, 1969, and unveiled to the public on May 23, 1969. In 1972, the aircraft was upgraded to the A100 model. The A100 featured an increased maximum takeoff weight, 11,500 pounds, and featured four-blade props. A total of 157 Model A100s were built before production ended in 1979, having been replaced by the B100.
The A100 is a twin-turboprop aircraft that is powered by two reverse-flow, free-spool turbo engines. Model A100s utilize two Pratt and Whitney PT6A-28 or PT6A-34 engines that deliver the equivalent of 715 shaft horsepower --- 680 shaft horsepower and 87 to 90 jet thrust horsepower.
The A100 has a service ceiling of 24,850 feet and a range of 1,542 miles. The aircraft has a maximum operating speed of 226 knots below 15,500 feet, a cruising speed of 233 knots, and a maneuvering speed of 169 knots. The A100 has a maximum ramp weight of 11,568 pounds, a maximum takeoff weight of 11,500 pounds and a maximum landing weight of 11,210 pounds.
The fuel system includes 2 auxiliary tanks (maximum capacity of 41 gallons each) and 2 main tanks (maximum capacity of 194 gallons each). Together, these fuel tanks allow the A100 to carry 470 gallons of fuel. (See Reference 1 and Reference 3)
A King Air B90 (VC-6A) was used to transport President Lyndon B. Johnson between his ranch near Johnson City, Texas, and Bergstrom Air Force Base. When he was on board, the King Air used the official callsign "Air Force One," but was informally referred to as "Lady Bird Special." This aircraft is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.
On October 25, 2002, Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone was killed when the King Air A100 he was on crashed shortly after takeoff. His wife, a daughter and several staff members were also killed.
