Beechcraft’s King Air twin-turboprop aircraft line was temporarily known as the “Super King Air” since the early 70s with the introduction of the Model 200. The planes improved on the prototypical Model 101, by redesigning the tail, adding more fuel capacity and upgrading to Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-41 engines. The 300s made emerged by 1983, due to the popularity of the 200s, and upped the ante with an airframe redesign and even more powerful engines. Since then, the Super King Air family has thrived, and special mission derivative versions of these models have been developed. A particular, noteworthy member of the family is the King Air 350ER Air Ambulance. Beechcraft has built the most air ambulances in the industry, making it the go-to medical service aircraft manufacturer.
Besides the customizable interiors and large, pressurized environmentally controlled cabin, which make these models so appealing for medical purposes; it is the flight performance that truly addresses the urgency required of this aircraft. This Air Ambulance is capable of operating from short, unimproved runways, and it can cruise over weather, which enhances maneuverability in remote areas, and difficult emergency runs. The available high dash speeds and range provide the capabilities necessary to expedite emergency medical evacuation roles. This winning combination of speed, comfort, versatility and outstanding mission readiness have made this model a critical ally in military applications. In 2007 Beechcraft announced that the Iraqi Air Force had ordered five King Air 350ERs. By 2013, the Royal Air Force expanded their Shadow R1 squadron; which specializes in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks in Afghanistan, with a sixth King Air 350ER.
The versatility of the interiors allow for permanent or temporary cabinetry, sidewall and floor installations of varying medical purposes. There is room for dual medical sleds and the comfortable, stand-up, pressurized cabin permits medical professionals to focus on their important work during those life and death situations. A King Air aircraft is a sight to behold, but the Air Ambulance is truly a tool of astonishing power for saving lives.