More Powerful PT6s Eliminate B200 Takeoff Restriction
Aero-News received word Monday that Pratt & Whitney Canada's
PT6A-52 engine, selected to power the new Beechcraft King Air
B200GT aircraft, has been certified by Transport Canada. The
company made the announcement at EBACE 2007 in Geneva,
Switzerland.
But wait, you may be asking... "the new Beechcraft King Air
B200GT?" Yup... the midline King Air is the latest to receive the
"GT" treatment, according to Hawker Beechcraft, following
enthusiastic reception for the company's smaller C90GT offering.
The upgraded Beechcraft King Air B200GT features a 305-knot max
cruise speed, a nearly 20-knot increase and climbs faster to its
intended cruising altitudes than the King Air B200 it replaces.
Powering the improvement is the installation of two PT6A-52
engines, designed specifically for the King Air B200GT.
Representatives with Hawker Beechcraft and PW&C tell ANN the
PT6A-52 engine was derived by mating the turbine section of the
1,050-shp capable PT6A-60A found on the King Air 350 with the
existing King Air B200 PT6A-42 gearbox. The result is an engine
that holds its 850-shp flat rating to a much higher altitude,
improving climb and cruise performance under almost all flight
scenarios.
"Building on one of the most successful business aircraft of all
time, the Beechcraft King Air B200GT is the next logical step in
the evolution of the aircraft," said Brad Hatt, president,
Commercial Sales. "The new Pratt and Whitney engines move the
entire flight envelope of the King Air B200GT higher and faster
than the B200 ensuring that the new model will continue to lead
this dynamic market segment for many years to come."
A derivative of the erstwhile PT6 family, the PT6A-52 engine
enters the market with the same 3,600-hour TBO (Time Before
Overhaul) as the other Beechcraft King Air engines. The new engine
also eliminates the 10,000 foot TOFA (Takeoff Field Altitude)
limitation found on the King Air B200.
The PT6A-52 received both type certification and manufacturing
approval from Transport Canada in April 2007. FAA certification for
the engine is expected this quarter, with certification and
deliveries of the King Air B200GT reportedly on track for the third
quarter of 2007.
Pursuit of international certifications will immediately follow
with EASA, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, India, Argentina and
Guatemala expected by the end of the year, according to Hawker
Beechcraft.
Beechcraft King Air B200GT Quick Facts:
-
The Beechcraft King Air
series celebrates over 40 years of continuous production and
technological progression.
- More than 6,200 King Airs have rolled off the production line
since 1964.
- The airplane offers pilots greater flexibility in terms of
operation and can land almost anywhere.
- Spacious and luxurious cabin (length: 16 feet, 8 inches;
height: 4 feet, 9 inches; width: 4 feet, 6 inches; cabin volume is
303 cubic feet).
- 48 cubic foot in-flight accessible baggage access.
- Private aft lavatory.
- Beechcraft quality and reliability.
- Comprehensive service and support network that spans the
globe.
- Typically equipped price is $5,190,000.
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