The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a twin-engine turboprop in Textron Aviation’s long-running King Air family, offering modernized avionics and automation within a proven airframe. It is an updated variant of the King Air 250, maintaining the same PT6A-52 engines while introducing cockpit upgrades and flight management enhancements aimed at improving efficiency and reducing pilot workload.
First introduced in 2020, the King Air 260 incorporates several key improvements over its predecessor. These include a digital pressurization controller, which automatically schedules cabin pressurization during climb and descent, and the addition of autothrottle functionality—unusual in this class of aircraft. It features the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite with touchscreen controls and integrated autothrottle—streamlining flight management and reducing pilot fatigue. The aircraft cruises at speeds up to 310 knots.
The cabin seats up to 9 passengers in a business configuration, typically arranged in a club-plus-forward-facing layout. With 303 cubic feet of total cabin volume, the King Air 260 offers ample space for regional executive missions while maintaining the short-field performance and operational flexibility that define the King Air line.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds and a takeoff distance of just 2,111 feet, the King Air 260 remains a favored option for operators needing to access shorter runways or remote airfields. Its blend of versatility, reliability, and updated technology ensures continued relevance in both private and charter operations.
