Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus
Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1976 · transport aircraft
The Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus is the US Navy's primary multi-engine turboprop trainer, based on the King Air 90, used to prepare naval aviators for P-3 Orion, C-130, and other multi-engine aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.82 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
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Spot it by:
- US Navy multi-engine turboprop trainer based on King Air 90
- Trains naval aviators in advanced multi-engine and instrument procedures
- Entered service 1977 at NAS Corpus Christi
Smaller than the C-12 family, the T-44A is based on the King Air 90 with a straight low wing, T-tail, and twin turboprops — distinguished from the C-12 by its shorter fuselage and smaller overall dimensions.
Specifications
- The Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus has a length of 10.82 m (35 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.32 m (50 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 450 km/h (280 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 + 2 students.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Selected by the US Navy in the mid-1970s to replace the T-39 Sabreliner in the multi-engine training role, the T-44A entered service at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in 1977. The type provided an economical and reliable platform for advanced instrument and multi-engine qualification.
Variants
The T-44C is an upgraded version with a modern glass cockpit, introduced in the 2010s to update the fleet; the basic T-44A served for over three decades largely unchanged.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the US Navy at NAS Corpus Christi with Training Air Wing Four, training pilots destined for maritime patrol, transport, and other multi-engine naval aviation roles.
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- Beechcraft C-12D Huron
- Beechcraft C-12C Huron
- Beechcraft King Air B100
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- Lockheed JetStar II
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