[Avionics Magazine 12-7-2016] Beechcraft announced new mission enhancement upgrades for its King Air 350HW and King Air 350ER turboprop aircraft at the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) conference. The Textron Aviation subsidiary is now offering Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engines and increased maximum takeoff weight to 17,500 pounds on both aircraft. Both enhancements are now FAA and EASA certified and offered as factory options for new aircraft or as aftermarket modifications.
King Air 350ER. Photo: Textron Aviation.
The Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engines provide superior field and climb performance, including hot and high operations. With an outside air temperature of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), the engine upgrade allows for a maximum takeoff gross weight increase of up to 2,700 pounds at sea level, compared to the standard aircraft. The increased gross weight option provides operators greater flexibility between payload and fuel, representing a potential increase in loiter time of two to three hours.