Textron Aviation announced the delivery of the 100th Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprop to Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC), a longtime Textron Aviation customer. This delivery further solidifies the Beechcraft King Air's place as the world's most popular family of business turboprop aircraft.
“We take pride in providing aircraft solutions for our customers with the latest in aviation technology. The King Air 360’s updated airframe, avionics and interior provide our passengers with a comfortable and reliable flight experience,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The King Air family of aircraft is renowned for its versatility and reliability, and this 100th delivery of the 360 is an exciting milestone in the continued success of a legendary product.”
CBCC is a pioneer in global cancer care including cutting edge cancer clinical trials that have led to new drug developments in cancer care. Working for decades with the UCLA TRIO Network, CBCC has provided patients with access to new clinical trials. Many of these clinical trials have changed the way cancer therapy is delivered today. The CBCC CRO (Clinical Research Organization) also provides patients access to clinical trials across the world.
“The addition of this aircraft will be a game changer for us in terms of productivity,” said Dr. Ravi Patel, medical director at CBCC. “We are excited about the increased capability the King Air 360 will give us to globally expand our cancer care delivery and research”
Nearly 7,800 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers around the world since 1964, making it the world’s best-selling business turboprop family. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62 million flight hours in its 59 years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S. military and flying both commercial and special mission roles around the world.
The King Air 360 cockpit features the addition of the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle. The autothrottle supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people or cargo by automatically managing engine power from the takeoff roll through the climb, cruise, descent, and go-around phases of flight. Another key update in the cockpit is the new digital pressurization controller, which automatically schedules cabin pressurization during both climb and descent, reducing pilot workload and increasing overall passenger comfort.
Other upgrades include a lower cabin altitude at the aircraft’s certified ceiling of 35,000 feet — more than 10 percent lower when compared to the King Air 350i. The improved cabin altitude level provides greater comfort for passengers, especially during longer flights.
The redesigned cabin, meanwhile, features a stunning new look with craftsman-built cabinetry, partitions and side ledges, upgraded materials and finishes, along with all new interior schemes. Other amenities that come standard on the entire King Air lineup include pull-out work tables, power outlets, USB charging stations and a private aft lavatory.