Beechcraft King Air 90

Summary

Category	Other aircraft
Origin country	🇺🇸 United States
First flight	1 January 1964
Year of introduction	1964
Number produced	3100 units

Description

The Model 90 King Air traces its origins to the Model 120 concept, conceived in 1961. Initially planned with two 917 shp Turbomeca Bastan VI engines, Beechcraft transitioned to Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-6 engines. Flight testing of this concept began on May 15, 1963, utilizing the Model 87, a modified Queen Air. On July 14, Beech announced the new type and began accepting orders a month later, with deliveries slated for Autumn 1964. Designated Model 65-90, the first prototype, equipped with PT6A-6 engines, achieved its first flight on January 24, 1964. Following a ten-month testing period, the Model 87 was delivered to the U.S. Army as the NU-8F. Production aircraft deliveries commenced on October 8, 1964, with significant initial demand. In 1966, production shifted to the Model 65-A90 with PT6A-20 engines.

Aerodynamically, the Model 90 series evolved from the Model 120 concept, incorporating design refinements such as increased wingspan in the C90 model. The F90 models uniquely combined the T-tail from the Model 200 with the fuselage and wings of the E90. Construction materials were enhanced, with later models like the C90B featuring airframe improvements. Avionics saw progressive upgrades, culminating in the Rockwell Collins Proline 21 suite in the C90GTi. Onboard systems benefited from continuous development, including improvements to the pressurization system in the C90-1 and a triple-fed electrical bus in the F90-1. Specialized equipment was incorporated into military versions like the RU-21 series for electronic warfare and surveillance, and later modifications on the 90 model included cargo conversions with a large pallet accessible cargo door, a heavy duty floor structure, and a cabin cargo liner.

While the Beechcraft King Air is not designed for offensive weapons, military variants, particularly the U-21 Ute series used by the U.S. Army, were adapted for specialized roles such as electronic warfare and signals intelligence (SIGINT). These versions, including the RU-21A, RU-21B, RU-21C, RU-21D, RU-21E, and RU-21G, carried various electronic equipment and systems for direction finding, signals intercept, and jamming operations. Its payload capacity is related to cargo and passenger transport or mission-specific equipment for specialized roles.

The King Air has seen diverse operational use, serving in both military and civilian capacities. The United States military has employed King Air 90s, including the VC-6A, T-44 Pegasus, and U-21 Ute, primarily for VIP transport, liaison, and training roles. The U-21 Ute, predominantly unpressurized Model 87 derivatives, saw extensive service with the US Army, with specialized variants equipped for electronic battlefield surveillance. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force operates a fleet of 40 C90 and C90A King Airs, designated as TC-90 trainers, LC-90 transports, and a UC-90 for aerial surveys, with some aircraft being transferred to the Philippines. The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia also utilized 90 Series King Airs for medical transport, before standardizing on later models and the Pilatus PC-12.

Main Variants:

Model 87: A proof-of-concept test aircraft based on the Model A80, utilizing PT6A-6 turboprops to evaluate the feasibility of the King Air design.
Model 65-90: Based on the Model 88, this variant featured two PT6A-6 turboprops and a 9000lb Take Off Gross Weight (TOGW), serving as the initial production version of the King Air.
Model 65-A90: An improved Model 90 with a TOGW increased to 9300lb, two 550shp PT6A-20 engines, a redesigned flightdeck, and a new engine de-ice system.
Model B90: Building upon the A90, the B90 featured a 9650 TOGW, improved ailerons and increased wingspan, enhanced instrumentation and pressurization, and an extra side window.
Model C90: Based on the B90 but incorporating the Model 100 cabin environment and pressurization system, while also utilizing 550shp PT6A-21 engines.

Technical specifications

Version: B100 King Air
Maximum speed	494 km/h (307 mph)
Wing area	26.0 m² (279.7 sqft)
Wingspan	13.8 m (45.1 ft)
Height	4.7 m (15.5 ft)
Length	11.9 m (39.1 ft)
Service ceiling	7574 m (24849 ft)
Empty weight	3217 kg (7092 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	5352 kg (11799 lbs)
Climb rate	10.87 m/s (35.7 ft/s)
Powerplant	2 × turboprops Garrett TPE331-6-251B delivering 626 kW

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	United States	326 (+2)
	Algeria	24
	Colombia	24
	Japan	24
	Israel	22
	Saudi Arabia	15 (+4)
	Mexico	14
	Morocco	13
	Australia	12
	Turkey	12
	Pakistan	11
	Argentina	10
	Canada	10
	United Kingdom	10
	Ecuador	9
	Venezuela	8
	Iraq	7
	Bolivia	6
	Malaysia	5
	Philippines	5
	United Arab Emirates	5
	Greece	4
	Peru	4
	South Africa	4
	France	3
	Malta	3
	Panama	3
	Spain	3
	Guatemala	2
	Italy	2
	New Zealand	2
	Nigeria	2
	Sri Lanka	2
	Thailand	2
	Togo	2
	Uruguay	2
	Bahamas	1
	Botswana	1
	Burkina Faso	1
	Eritrea	1
	Honduras	1
	Ivory Coast	1
	Jamaica	1
	Nicaragua	1
	Niger	1
	South Korea	1
	Switzerland	1
	Kuwait	0 (+4)