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“With the introduction of the King Air, Olive Ann Beech and the Beech Aircraft Corporation launched business aviation into the “Jet Age” and set yet another standard for the industry to follow.”
By comparison with current pressurization systems that are fully automatic and often digitally controlled “set-and-forget” installations, the Model 90 had to make do with a single, mechanical Roots-type supercharger mounted in the left nacelle that supplied adequate airflow to inflate the passenger compartment. The primary reason for this necessity centered on the PT6A engine that, in its early configuration, did not have sufficient capability to produce rated power and “spare” enough bleed air from the compressor section to pressurize the cabin – a less than desirable situation that was remedied with more powerful versions of the engine. A pressure relief valve was set to vent cabin air overboard if pressurization exceeded 4.0 psid.
In terms of performance, the Model 90 increased cruise speeds to nearly 300 mph and the Beechcraft marketing department lost no time in espousing the many virtues of the King Air. As aviation pioneer Clyde V. Cessna once said, “Speed is the only reason for flying,” and customers were soon selling or trading in their venerable Model 18s or Queen Airs for the ultra-modern, 280-mph King Air. The airplane was enthusiastically embraced by every corporation and company that took delivery of the “jet prop” executive transport. Pilots long accustomed to managing piston engines had to
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FEBRUARY 2024
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 11