New Multi-Mission King Air Demonstrator Unveiled at Paris Air Show

Textron Aviation revealed that its new multi-mission Beechcraft King Air demonstration aircraft will debut at the 2025 Paris Air Show, marking its first appearance in Europe. This aircraft is designed to highlight the diverse missions possible with the versatile and dependable Beechcraft King Air platform. It will be on static display from Monday, June 16, to Thursday, June 19, at the Textron Pavilion A2.

“The King Air’s acquisition and operation cost, combined with excellent speed, range and payload capacity, make it an excellent value for a wide range of special missions,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales. “The best-selling turboprop serves as an ideal platform for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, utility transport, training and more. Over the last few years, we have seen solid European demand for our Cargo Door King Air 360C for essential air ambulance services.”

When government, military, and commercial clients require airborne solutions for critical missions, they rely on Textron Aviation. The Beechcraft King Air showcased is equipped with extended range (ER) fuel tanks, a factory-installed extended utility nose designed to accommodate various sensors, including up to a 20-inch EO/IR sensor, and a lift kit for retraction. It also features factory-installed wing hardpoint provisions and a cargo door that supports air ambulance and freight operations, thereby enhancing mission flexibility.

Equipped with PT6A-67A engines featuring dual oil coolers, the aircraft delivers exceptional performance in hot and high-altitude airfields, along with remarkable climb capabilities and cruising speeds.

The interior is equipped with a mission rack featuring displays and a mission computer, along with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) VIP seating. It also includes AvFab and LifePort mission seats, as well as a LifePort medevac stretcher. The cockpit is designed to be compatible with Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS).

More than 7,800 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers since 1964, making it the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The fleet has surpassed 66 million flight hours in its 60 years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S. military and flying both commercial and special missions.

Textron Aviation is making a comeback at the Paris Air Show as a leading player in the industry, boasting over 1,700 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft in Europe and having delivered more than 255,000 aircraft globally. In France, almost 200 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft are utilised for diverse missions by commercial, government, and military clients.