Part of Textron Aviation’s static display in June at the 2025 Paris Air Show was a new multi-mission Beechcraft King Air demonstration aircraft. The aircraft – which was making its show and European debut – is a 360C model equipped to showcase a wide range of missions available on the versatile King Air platform.
The new King Air demo, powered by PT6A-67A engines with dual oil coolers, is fitted with:
- extended range fuel tanks,
- a factory-installed extended utility nose capable of housing a variety of sensors up to a 20-inch EO/IR sensor and a lift kit to retract,
- factory-installed wing hardpoint provisions and
- a cargo door that supports air ambulance and freight operations to enhance mission flexibility.
- Interior features include:
- a mission rack with displays and a mission computer,
- original equipment manufacturer VIP seating,
- AvFab and LifePort mission seats,
- a LifePort medevac stretcher and
- a cockpit compatible with night vision imaging systems.
“The King Air’s acquisition and operation cost, combined with excellent speed, range and payload capacity make it an excellent value for a wide range of special missions,” Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales, said in a news release.
The worldwide fleet of 7,800 King Air turboprops has surpassed 66 million flight hours since 1964. Among the many operators across the globe are government, military and other customers needing airborne solutions for critical missions.