Commuter Air Technology (CAT) headquartered in Oklahoma City, has introduced its Maximum Endurance (ME) upgrades for the King Air B300 aircraft during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in Las Vegas. The upgrades have been introduced to market as CAT 350ME. The company notes they increase the operational gross weight and fuel capacity of the B300 while providing industry-leading capacity and endurance.
The 350ME configuration is supported by two Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). The CAT 350 Operational Gross Weight Increase STC secured in July, and the CAT 350ME Fuel Tank STC (expecting final approval in the first quarter of 2016).
“We pride ourselves in providing our customers with the latest advancements in performance enhancement for their King Air,” said Darryl Wilkerson, President, CAT. “CAT’s 350 gross weight increase and 350ME fuel tanks enable our customers to fly their King Air from coast to coast: Los Angeles to Miami, or internationally across the Atlantic, without the need to refuel. This has been unprecedented – until now.”
CAT 350ME fuel tanks add 280 gallons of fuel and achieve flight time of 12+ hours with a range of 2,760 nautical miles. According to CAT, this accounts for a 15+% improvement over industry leading solutions currently in the market.
The nacelle, over-wing fuel tanks extend from the engine nacelles for an aerodynamic shape with aesthetically pleasing lines.The tanks are wet cell type, constructed of aluminum internal structure and skin, and all parts are anodized and treated for anti-corrosion giving them longer life. The use of composite fairings offers transition between the engine nacelle and the CAT 350ME tank enhancing the overall look and performance of the aircraft.
CAT 350 Operational Gross Weight Increase provides an overall increase in operating weights for the B300 aircraft with increased ramp weight to 16,600 pounds, take-off weight of 16,500 pounds, and landing weight of 15,675 pounds. The GWI upgrade also supports the additional weight of the CAT 350ME fuel tanks and minimizes the impact to the carrying capacity for full fuel load operations.
CAT will display its 350ME aircraft featuring these upgrades at booth #IS_13 throughout NBAA.