Beechcraft King Air 260
Textron Aviation · United States · first flew 2020 · light aircraft
The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a twin-turboprop utility transport and business aircraft, representing a refined variant of the long-running King Air C90/200 family with upgraded avionics and performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.34 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- T-tail twin turboprop with straight low wing
- Distinctive oval cabin windows
- PT6A engines on low tapered wing
Distinguished from earlier King Airs by its Garmin glass cockpit; externally near-identical to the B200 with the same straight low wing, ventral strakes, and round cabin windows.
Specifications
- The Beechcraft King Air 260 has a length of 13.34 m (44 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.61 m (54 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 578 km/h (359 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 + up to 9 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Announced by Textron Aviation in 2020, the King Air 260 updated the B200 series with a Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and enhanced cabin features. It continues the Model 200 lineage that dates to 1973, drawing on decades of proven turboprop reliability. The 260 designator reflects the approximate cruise speed in knots.
Variants
The King Air 260 is itself a variant of the B200 Grand Caravan series; a militarised King Air 260T with cargo door is also offered for light utility roles.
Where you'll see it
Operated globally by corporate, charter, air ambulance, and government operators; widely used across North America, Europe, and Australasia.
Related aircraft
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