The Beech Model 100 King Air is a light multi-purpose aircraft, developed by the American firm Beech Aircraft. It distinguished itself from earlier King Air models by featuring a smaller wingspan, a longer and more spacious fuselage capable of seating 15 passengers, and enlarged elevator and rudder surfaces.
Additionally, it incorporated twin wheels on the main landing gear and more powerful engines. Its wing design was similar to that developed for the Model 99 Airliner aircraft.
Variants and Initial Deliveries
In October 1971, Beech commenced deliveries of an improved variant, the King Air A100. The first five aircraft, designated U-21F, were supplied to the U.S. Army.
A version equipped with the Universal Airborne Control and Navigation System (UNACE), designed for rapid acceptance and calibration of aeronautical navigation systems, was supplied to Algeria, Belgium, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and the United States. Beech also produced King Air variants fitted with cameras for aerial surveillance missions.
B100 Development and Production End
Parallel to the A100’s production, in late 1975, Beech introduced the King Air B100 aircraft. This model was characterized by the installation of a Garrett TPE331-6-252B turboprop engine, delivering 715 hp shaft power, along with the equipment directly associated with that engine.
Production of the King Air 100 aircraft ceased in 1983, with a total of 137 units built throughout its production run.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | A100 |
| Wingspan, m | 14.00 |
| Aircraft length, m | 12.07 |
| Aircraft height, m | 4.70 |
| Wing area, m2 | 26.80 |
| Empty weight | 3083 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 5216 |
| Engine type | 2 Turboprop Pratt Whitney Aircraft Canada PT6A-28 |
| Power, hp | 2 x 680 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 520 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 459 |
| Economical speed, km/h | 410 |
| Practical range, km | 2483 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 7575 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | up to 15 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Beech 100 King Air
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