Country of origin:

United States of America

Description:

Business and executive aircraft

Power Plant:

Two 634 kw (850 eshp) Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 turboprops

Specifications:

History:

The first of two prototypes of the Series 200 Beech Super King Air executive aircraft flew for the first time on 27 October 1972, the second following on 15 December of that year. The fuselage of this model was basically the same as the King Air 100 and offered the same accommodation, six seats in the cabin and two in the cockpit, but the new ‘T’-tail distinguished it from previous models. For greater flexibility and range, the series 200 had increased fuel capacity and more powerful engines. These changes required more wing area, which was obtained by designing a new centre section and extended wingtips. With a capability of cruising at altitudes up to 10,668 m (35,000 ft), the cabin pressurisation system was designed to give the aircraft an equivalent of 3,050 m (10,000 ft) at 9,450 m (31,000 ft).

The 200 series was certificated to carry up to 15 occupants, although most corporate users had layouts of six to ten seats. Those used over the years by commuter airlines in Australia usually had 11 or 13 seats. A separate compartment at the rear of the cabin contained a toilet, which was also approved for use as a passenger seat. Aft of this again was a baggage compartment, pressurised and accessible in flight. Maximum payload was 907 kg (2,000 lb) with two pilots, allowing sufficient fuel for up to 1,760 km (1,094 miles) with a reserve of 45 minutes.

Development led to a variant, in early 1979, with an upward-opening 132 cm (52 in) square cargo door which incorporated the standard passenger door, airstairs, and a cabin window. One of the first aircraft with this configuration was brought to Australia and a number have been used as aerial ambulances. Other options available included wingtip tanks.

The type proved very popular over the years, and was built to suit the needs of a large variety of operators. Designation of models supplied to all US services (USAF, Navy, Army, Marines, Coastguard, etc included RU-21J, C-12A to C-12F, RC-12D, Improved Guardrail V, etc, as well as utility versions. There was also a variant known as the Maritime Patrol B200T, 15 of which were supplied to the Maritime Safety Agency.

Civil variants of the series included B200, B200C with a 1.32 m x 1.32 m (4 ft x 4 ft) cargo door; B200T with removable wingtip tanks, and B200CT with cargo door, and wingtip tanks, etc.

The type remained in continuous production for many years and was marketed as the Raytheon King Air 200, the ‘Super’ part of the name being discontinued in 1996. More than 1,500 examples have been built.

One King Air 200T was operated by Skywest in the mid-1980s on coastal surveillance work out of Townsville, QLD.

In 1986 the NSW Aerial Ambulance Board obtained two Series 200s as VH-AMM (c/n BL125) and VH-AMR (c/n BB1812) to replace Beech Queen Airs. The Queensland Division of the Royal Flying Doctor Service obtained a 200C. It has been used by other flying doctor and aero medical services.

By January 1987 seven Beech 200 King Airs were in use in Australia on aeromedical work, the RFDS Queensland Division operating a 200C VH-FDB based at Cairns, a C90 VH-FDP operating from Charleville, and a C90 VH-FDZ operating from Mount Isa. The NSW Division of the RFDS operated Series 200s from Broken Hill. The NSW Health Commission operated 200Cs VH-AMM and VH-AMR from Sydney.

The RNZAF received a number to replace Fokker Friendships. Four (NZ1881 to NZ1884) were leased from Aeromotive Ltd, part of Pacific Aerospace Corporation, and were based at RNZAF Base Whenuapai, the first being handed over at a ceremony at Whenuapai. They had a limited VIP transport function following the retirement of the Hawker Siddeley Andover. Their primary role was to provide training for pilots on multi-engine aircraft before they proceeded to larger aircraft. No 42 Squadron RNZAF operated the aircraft as NZ1881 (c/n BB-1054 – ex ZK-KAP, N244SW, C-GRFN); NZ1882 (c/n BB-1008 – ex ZK-KAC, N6171N); NZ1883 (c/n BB-1087 – ex ZK-KAD, N65WM); and NZ-1884 (c/n BB1178 – ex ZK-KAF, N96GA).

Civil examples in New Zealand have included Series 200 ZK-WNL (c/n BB-690 – ex C-FCOS) operating from Christchurch, and ZK-PBG (c/n BB866) which was sold and replaced by a King Air 300.

Four examples of the Series 200C were obtained to replace GAF Nomads by the Australian Army from 2001 and operated with civil registrations. They were attached to the 1st Air Regiment at Oakey, QLD by No 173 Squadron. These aircraft were VH-HPP (c/n BL-137); VH-HPX (c/n BB-1505); VH-HPZ (c/n BL-138) and VH-LKB (c/n BB-259).

A number of 200Cs also operated with the RAAF, these aircraft becoming A32-001 (c/n BB-1125 – ex VH-KCH); A32-002 (c/n BB-1189 – ex VH-KBH, ex N843CK); A32-003 (c/n BB-1401, ex VH-YDH); and A32-004 (c/n BB-1463 – ex VH-YEH). They operated with No 32 Squadron at the School of Air Navigation at East Sale, VIC. They were all later exported after Australian service.

Eventually Hawker Beech developed the King Air 250, this being an upgraded variant with a quieter cabin, engine induction modifications, composite winglets and modified propellers to improve performance. First of this model in this region was delivered by Hawker Pacific in late 2011. Later again development led to the King Air 300 and 350 series.