Senior Editor

Jerry Siebenmark

A little more than four months after announcing the Beechcraft King Air 260, Textron Aviation has received FAA type certification for the upgraded twin turboprop. This certification allows customer deliveries to begin, including the first order for a cargo door-equipped King Air 260C that the Wichita airframer <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-02-05/textron-aviation-takes-first-king-air-260c-order">announced</a> in early February.

 


Like the recent upgrades to its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-08-04/textron-aviation-launches-new-flagship-king-airs">larger sibling</a>—the King Air 360—the 260’s flight deck is equipped with Innovative Solutions &amp; Support’s (IS&amp;S) ThrustSense autothrottle, a digital pressurization controller, and Collins Aerospace’s Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar. The 260 also features newly-designed seats created originally for the King Air 360&nbsp;to provide&nbsp;greater passenger comfort on longer flights.

 


“The continual conversations we have with our customers play an integral role in the decisions we make about the design of new aircraft, as well as enhancements to our existing fleet,” said Textron Aviation senior v-p of engineering and programs Chris Hearne. “With the King Air 260, we used that valuable feedback and truly elevated the flying experience for both pilots and passengers.”

 


Textron Aviation began production of the King Air 260 late last year. It has a list price of $6.7 million.

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