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.
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