I was contacted by a chap who wanted a BIG Kingair, so this was essentially for him. The project is now complete, and he is in the process of building his dream. Contact me if you’re interested in a similarly large Kingair, and I’ll be happy to help you out.
However, I couldn’t imagine transporting such a monster, so I am currently scaling it down to a more manageable size – around 80 inches for twin electric if you’re interested.
Email for information and expected timeframe…..
Beechcraft BE300 (Super King Air 300) – Design, Development, Production and Performance
The Beechcraft Model 300, marketed as the Super King Air 300, is a pressurised twin-engine turboprop business aircraft developed as the successor to the highly successful King Air 200. Introduced in the early 1980s, the BE300 offered higher cruise speeds, greater payload, improved climb performance and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency while retaining the reliability and versatility that had made the King Air family the world’s benchmark twin turboprop.
Origins
By the late 1970s, the King Air 200 had become one of the world’s most successful business aircraft. However, customers increasingly demanded:
- higher cruise speeds
- longer range
- increased payload
- improved hot-and-high performance
- reduced operating costs
Rather than designing an entirely new aircraft, Beechcraft engineers elected to refine the proven King Air 200 airframe by incorporating aerodynamic improvements and more powerful engines. The result was the Model 300, which first flew in October 1982, entered production in 1983, and entered customer service in 1984.
Design Philosophy
The primary objectives were:
- increase cruise speed by approximately 20 knots
- improve climb performance
- increase maximum take-off weight
- retain excellent short-field capability
- minimise pilot transition from earlier King Airs
- preserve the aircraft’s reputation for reliability
Rather than a radical redesign, the Model 300 represented a careful optimisation of an already successful platform.
Airframe Design
Wing
The BE300 retained the King Air’s low-wing cantilever configuration but incorporated several refinements.
Key features include:
- all-metal stressed-skin construction
- NACA laminar-flow wing section
- integral fuel tanks
- electrically actuated trailing-edge flaps
- large Fowler flaps for short-field performance
The wing retained the excellent low-speed characteristics of earlier King Airs while supporting higher cruise speeds.
Aerodynamic Improvements
Compared with the King Air 200, engineers introduced several important refinements:
- redesigned engine nacelles (“pitot cowlings”)
- smoother engine air intakes
- reduced cooling drag
- improved wing root fairings
- revised landing gear doors
- reduced parasite drag
These relatively modest changes collectively increased cruise speed and fuel efficiency.
Fuselage
The aircraft retained the King Air’s pressurised aluminium semi-monocoque fuselage.
Features include:
- circular pressure vessel
- executive cabin
- aft baggage compartment
- large cabin door
- optional cargo door (300C variants)
The cabin accommodates between 6 and 9 executive passengers, although commuter and utility layouts can seat up to 14 occupants, depending on certification and interior configuration.
Cabin
The Model 300 was designed primarily for corporate transport.
Typical equipment includes:
- club seating
- folding executive tables
- refreshment centre
- fully enclosed lavatory
- environmental control system
- sound insulation
- large oval windows
Cabin pressurisation allows comfortable high-altitude flight with a significantly lower cabin altitude than many earlier turboprops.
Cockpit
The cockpit was arranged for either single-pilot or two-pilot operation.
Original avionics typically included:
- Collins Pro Line analogue instrumentation
- dual flight directors
- weather radar
- autopilot
- EFIS options
- integrated engine instrumentation
Many aircraft have since been upgraded with:
- Garmin G1000 NXi
- Collins Pro Line Fusion
- digital autopilots
- ADS-B
- synthetic vision
- electronic engine monitoring
Powerplant
The BE300 is powered by two:
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A
Each engine develops:
1,050 shaft horsepower
Compared with the PT6A-42 engines used on the King Air 200, the PT6A-60A provides:
- greater climb performance
- improved acceleration
- better hot-and-high capability
- increased payload
- enhanced cruise performance
Each engine drives a constant-speed, fully feathering, reversible propeller, allowing excellent braking and short-field operation.
Landing Gear
The aircraft features a hydraulically actuated retractable tricycle undercarriage.
Characteristics include:
- rugged construction
- dual-wheel main landing gear
- hydraulically operated wheel brakes
- excellent rough-field capability
- proven reliability
Its landing gear has earned a reputation for durability in both corporate and utility operations.
Pressurisation
Maximum differential pressure:
6.5 psi
Maximum operating altitude:
35,000 ft
This permits:
- weather avoidance
- reduced turbulence
- improved fuel economy
- efficient long-range cruise
Structural Design
The airframe is constructed primarily from:
- aluminium alloy skins
- machined spars
- forged fittings
- chemically treated corrosion-resistant structures
The design emphasised long fatigue life and straightforward maintenance, making the aircraft attractive to both corporate and government operators.
Production
Manufacturer:
Beech Aircraft Corporation
Production location:
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Production period:
1983–1994
Production ceased after approximately 254 aircraft had been built, including the lower-weight 300LW variant. The design evolved directly into the stretched King Air 350 (Model B300), which remains in production today.
Variants
Model 300
Standard version
- MTOW: 14,000 lb (6,350 kg)
Model 300LW
Produced primarily for markets where regulatory or tax limits applied to aircraft over 12,500 lb.
Features:
- reduced certified MTOW
- otherwise identical performance and systems
Special Mission Aircraft
The FAA and other government agencies operated specially modified aircraft equipped with:
- flight inspection systems
- navigation aid calibration equipment
- surveillance equipment
Typical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 or 2 |
| Passengers | 6–9 executive (up to 14 utility) |
| Length | 43 ft 10 in (13.36 m) |
| Wingspan | 54 ft 6 in (16.61 m) |
| Height | 14 ft 4 in (4.37 m) |
| Wing Area | 303 sq ft (28.2 m²) |
| Empty Weight | 8,488 lb (3,850 kg) |
| Maximum Take-off Weight | 14,000 lb (6,350 kg) |
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A |
| Engine Power | 1,050 shp each |
| Pressurised | Yes |
Performance
| Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 303 kt (561 km/h) |
| Typical High-Speed Cruise | 300–315 kt TAS |
| Stall Speed | Approximately 86 kt (landing configuration) |
| Initial Rate of Climb | 2,844 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 35,000 ft |
| Maximum Range | 1,960 NM (3,630 km) |
| Take-off Distance (MTOW) | Approximately 3,300 ft (1,000 m) |
| Landing Distance | Approximately 2,700 ft (823 m) |
Flying Characteristics
The Super King Air 300 is widely regarded as one of the best-handling aircraft in its class.
Pilots consistently praise its:
- excellent longitudinal stability
- predictable stall characteristics
- powerful engine-out performance
- responsive controls
- short-field capability
- forgiving handling in instrument conditions
The increased engine power allows strong climb performance even at high-density-altitude airports.
Operational Roles
The BE300 has served in numerous roles, including:
- executive transport
- air ambulance
- freight operations
- government transport
- military liaison
- navigation aid calibration
- maritime surveillance
- aerial survey
Its combination of speed, payload and short-field capability has made it a favourite with operators requiring access to regional airports.
Legacy
The Beechcraft BE300 represented the pinnacle of the original King Air airframe before its evolution into the larger King Air 350. By combining aerodynamic refinements with more powerful PT6A-60A engines, Beechcraft created an aircraft capable of cruising at over 300 knots while retaining the reliability, versatility and ease of operation that defined the King Air family. The BE300 remains highly regarded on the pre-owned market, with many examples upgraded with modern avionics and engine improvements, ensuring their continued service in corporate, government and special-mission roles around the world.