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Sun, Jul 25, 2004

Ruby-Encrusted King Air Coming to AirVenture

Special 40th Anniversary Beechcraft King Air debuts at Oshkosh

The 400th Beechcraft King Air 350 – the aircraft specially configured to celebrate the King Air’s 40th anniversary – will debut at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004.

“It’s especially appropriate to showcase the 400th King Air 350 and the 40th anniversary special edition at Oshkosh,” said Randy Groom, President of Beechcraft.  “This show celebrates our fascination with flight, and the constantly refined King Air has participated in this great endeavor for 40 years.  That’s nearly half of the entire lifespan of manned flight.”

The commemorative King Air 350 features a ruby gemstone theme denoting a 40th anniversary in both interior and exterior treatments.  The paint scheme features custom Sherwin-Williams colors such as Black Ruby Metallic and Ruby with Pearl. Inside, real ruby gemstones are included into the signature logo on the forward refreshment cabinet.

Other special appointments for the anniversary King Air 350 include:

  • Waterfall Bubinga veneer for all cabinetry and partitions.  This deep rich wood grain pattern complements the ruby accents installed in the aircraft interior.
  • Custom designed carpet with ruby border that defines the entry and aisle.
  • Combinations of brushed brass and polished chrome plating highlighting all metal components.
  • New cabin seat tailoring for improved comfort.
  • A Beechcraft metal seat emblem on the upper back portion of each seat cushion.
  • Control wheels upholstered in black leather. 
  • The words “Free Enterprise” emblazoned under the cockpit window. This commemorates the motto of Beechcraft co-founder Olive Ann Beech, whose personal King Air also featured the saying.

After its Oshkosh appearance, the anniversary King Air will tour the United States, visiting Raytheon Aircraft Services fixed-base operations, along with authorized Beechcraft dealerships.  The aircraft will be delivered to its new owner at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Las Vegas Oct. 12.

On Jan. 20, 1964, the original Beechcraft King Air Model 90 lifted off from Beech Field in Wichita, and flew into the record books.  The most successful business aircraft of all time, the King Air family today remains a highly versatile aircraft line.

“What has made the King Air so successful – other than the excellent original design – is its constant refinement,” said Groom.  “From that first aircraft we have listened to our customers and applied the latest technology to bring incredible value to the King Air family.”

Beech Aircraft Corporation announced the King Air on Aug. 14, 1963.  It boasted a six- to eight-seat cabin, cruising speed of 270 mph, over-the-weather operating capability, slow-speed landing permitting safe use of small fields and airstrips – all at a cost of $320,000 for a fully equipped airplane.  By January’s first flight, customers had placed orders worth more than $12 million.

May 27, 1964 was Coronation Day.  The Model 90 received its Type Certificate from the FAA.  By year’s end, seven were delivered.  The next year 69 were built and delivered.  The King Air was on its way to sales nearing 6,000 today.  No other business aircraft comes close.

“When you combine the King Air’s cabin-class comfort, its all-weather capability and its rugged, quality construction, you begin to realize what makes the King Air great,” said Groom.  “It’s a go-anywhere, do anything aircraft – an SUV of the skies.”

The King Air is flown in 105 countries around the world.  Every service in the U.S. military flies King Airs for executive transport, electronic surveillance, air ambulance and a host of other missions.  The entire fleet since 1964 has amassed an estimated 10 billion miles – the equivalent of 143 round trips to Mars.

FMI: www.raytheon.com

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