Page 28 - August 2023

The most salient alteration made to the Model B300 airframe centered on a 34-inch extension of the fuselage. The “stretch” was achieved by adding 14.4 inches forward and 19.6 inches aft of the main spar, respectively, according to Bob Pedroja, former project engineer for the Model 350. The three-foot extension increased the length of the passenger cabin to 19 feet, 6 inches and permitted the installation of two more windows on each side of the cabin, bringing the total per side to seven. In addition, overall wingspan was increased by 18 inches to 57 feet, 11 inches, and winglets were added to the wing tips.
The B300 retained the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A turboprop engines of its predecessor, each still rated at 1,050 shp. From an operator’s viewpoint, however, the Model 350’s ability to take off (sea level, ISA conditions) with a full payload and fuel tanks full (539 gallons) was the most important improvement of all. First flight of the B300 pre-production prototype (serial number FA-1) occurred Sept. 13, 1988, under the command of Bud Francis. FAA certification was achieved December 12, 1989, under provisions of FAR Part 23 through Amendment 34 as applied to the Commuter Aircraft Category.
By taking advantage of the Commuter Aircraft rules, Beech Aircraft was able to boost the B300’s MTOW
(and maximum landing weight) to 15,000 pounds – a 1,000-pound increase compared with the B300 Super King Air. Empty weight rose to 9,051 pounds and zero fuel weight was increased to 12,500 pounds. The maximum speed was 315 knots (363 mph), and service ceiling exceeded 35,000 feet. Initial deliveries of the Super King Air 350 began in March 1990. The company also offered the Model B300C version that was equipped with a combined airstair/cargo door (measuring 52 inches by 52 inches) on the left side of the aft fuselage section. FAA certification of the cargo door version occurred in 1990. The Super King Air 350 quickly proved itself in the highly competitive cabin-class, turboprop market segment. KA
Ed Phillips, now retired and living in the South, has researched and written eight books on the unique and rich aviation history that belongs to Wichita, Kansas. His writings have focused on the evolution of the airplanes, companies and people that have made Wichita the “Air Capital of the World” for more than 80 years.
26 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
AUGUST 2023