Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER with reduced pilot workload – the latest upgrade to one of the sky’s most iconic aircraft

 

 

 

The Next King Rises: Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER is the new updated flagship of the legendary King Air turboprop family.

Textron Aviation introduced the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER – the new flagship of the best-selling turboprop family in the world.

The updated flagship turboprop offers the latest technological advancements in the cockpit, a redesigned cabin, and enhancements to passenger comfort. The aircraft is currently in production with customer deliveries expected to begin in the Fall of 2020.

Nearly 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers around the world since 1964, making itthe best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62 million flight hours in its 56years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S. military and flying both commercial and special mission roles around the world.

Cockpit upgrades

A key feature of the King Air 360 cockpit is the addition of the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSenseAutothrottle. The autothrottle supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people or cargo safely by automatically managing engine power from the takeoff roll through the climb, cruise, descent, go-around and landing phases of flight. This enhancement reduces pilot workload and supports them in their continuous vigilance to prevent over-speed or under-speed, over-temp and over-torque conditions.

Another important update in the cockpit is the new digital pressurization controller, which automatically schedules cabin pressurization during both climb and descent, reducing pilot workload and increasing overall passenger comfort.

Cabin upgrades

With seating for up to nine passengers, the latest King Air offers an even greater passenger experience than its predecessor. The aircraft features a cabin altitude of 5,960 feet at a typical cruising altitude of 27,000 feet – more than 10 percent lower when compared to the King Air 350i. The improved cabin altitude levels provide greater comfort for passengers, especially during longer flights.

A redesigned bespoke cabin design features a stunning new look with custom-built cabinetry, partitions and side ledges, upgraded materials and finishes, along with all new interior schemes. Other amenities that come standard on the entire King Air lineup include pull-out work tables, standard power outlets, USB charging stations and a private aft lavatory.