Hawker Beechcraft King Air 250 Debuts at Sun ‘n Fun

Hawker Beechcraft unveiled its latest 200-series King Air at Sun 'n Fun this week, featuring the new King Air 250 at its static display. The long-running PT6-powered King Air franchise spans the entry-level C90GTx to the type-rating required 350i, but the 200-series with its roomy cabin, decent speed and fabulous payload has always been a hot seller and a solid performer at the very top of the weight range for aircraft not classified by the FAA as large. (Click here to see our review of the previous generation of King Airs.) The latest iteration, the King Air 250, tweaks the performance even more, with composite wing tips for improved climb and fuel efficiency, as well as new lightweight composite props for better acceleration and enhanced overall performance. The big turboprop twin is outfitted with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated flight deck, with charts, weather and more. The 300-plus-knot cruiser can haul a prodigious load, more than 2,200 pounds, and still fly a 300-nm mission. It can fly with full fuel for better than 1,500 nm. Look for a full pilot report on the airplane in an upcoming issue.