Beechcraft King Air 350ER

Introduction

The Beechcraft King Air 350ER is the extended-range variant of the renowned King Air 350. Designed for missions that demand endurance, flexibility, and rugged performance, the 350ER is not just a business aircraft—it’s a high-performance platform capable of handling surveillance, intelligence, air ambulance, and extended charter missions.

While it retains the core advantages of the King Air 350—short-field performance, pressurized comfort, and low operating cost—the ER version takes it further with increased fuel capacity, longer range, higher payload, and provisions for special mission equipment. Whether it’s chartering passengers to remote islands or performing long-range reconnaissance for governments, the 350ER stands out as an elite, multi-role turboprop.

Specification of Beechcraft King Air 350ER

Here are the general specifications of the Beechcraft King Air 350ER:

• Manufacturer: Beechcraft (Textron Aviation)

• Crew: 1–2 pilots

• Passenger Capacity: 8 to 11 (depending on configuration)

• Length: 46 ft 8 in (14.22 m)

• Wingspan: 57 ft 11 in (17.65 m)

• Height: 14 ft 4 in (4.37 m)

• Cabin Height: 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m)

• Cabin Width: 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)

• Cabin Length: 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m)

• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 16,500 lbs (7,484 kg)

• Fuel Capacity: ~5,192 lbs (increased from standard 350’s 3,611 lbs)

• Baggage Volume: 71 cu ft

The King Air 350ER features reinforced landing gear, heavy-duty brakes, and wingtip fuel tanks to accommodate its enhanced payload and range capabilities.

Performance and Range of Beechcraft King Air 350ER

The standout feature of the 350ER is its exceptional range and endurance. Thanks to increased fuel capacity and structural upgrades, the aircraft is capable of flying longer missions without compromising payload or access to remote airstrips.

• Maximum Cruise Speed: 312 knots (359 mph / 578 km/h)

• Range: 2,692 nautical miles (4,985 km)

• Endurance: Up to 12 hours (mission-dependent)

• Service Ceiling: 35,000 feet

• Takeoff Distance (MTOW): ~4,057 feet (1,237 meters)

• Landing Distance: ~3,217 feet (981 meters)

This aircraft can complete non-stop flights such as Los Angeles to Anchorage, Dubai to Nairobi, or London to Tbilisi—making it a viable solution for regional operators and surveillance missions over long distances.

Its ability to remain airborne for extended periods also makes it ideal for maritime patrol, border surveillance, oil rig inspection, and aerial survey operations.

Cabin Comfort and Interior of Beechcraft King Air 350ER

The King Air 350ER offers a pressurized, climate-controlled cabin similar in size and comfort to the standard 350, but with greater customization flexibility depending on the mission.

Passenger configurations typically feature 8–9 executive seats in a double-club layout, with options for:

• Lavatory (aft)

• Refreshment center

• Executive tables

• Wi-Fi and cabin entertainment

• Power outlets and ambient LED lighting

Mission-specific configurations may include:

• Medical evacuation stretchers and medical equipment stations

• Operator workstations for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) roles

• Surveillance consoles, storage racks, or even roll-on/roll-off modular interiors

Despite its utilitarian capabilities, the 350ER can be equipped with high-end cabin amenities that rival small jets, making it suitable for VIP, government, or discreet corporate travel.

Avionics and Technology of Beechcraft King Air 350ER

The 350ER is equipped with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion® avionics suite, offering intuitive touchscreen controls and enhanced situational awareness for complex missions.

Key features include:

• Three 14-inch touchscreen flight displays

• Synthetic Vision System (SVS) for improved terrain awareness

• Weather Radar, TAWS, and TCAS II

• Dual Flight Management Systems (FMS)

• WAAS GPS and LPV approaches

• ADS-B Out/In compliance

• Auto-throttle and Autopilot Integration

For special missions, the aircraft is also compatible with:

• EO/IR sensor integration

• Radar pods

• Satcom systems

• Mission management consoles

• Secure voice/data communication tools

These systems make the 350ER a true intelligence-gathering and mission-ready platform, while still offering an easy and safe flying experience for charter clients.

Operational Advantages

The King Air 350ER is designed for mission-critical operations in tough environments. Its operational strengths include:

1. Extended Range and Endurance

The additional fuel tanks and MTOW upgrades allow it to fly 2+ hours longer than the standard 350—ideal for surveillance, offshore trips, and border missions.

2. Short Field Performance

Despite added weight, the ER maintains STOL capability, allowing operations from short, high-altitude, or remote runways inaccessible to jets.

3. Heavy-Duty Landing Gear

The robust gear allows it to land on unimproved strips, gravel runways, and even rugged airfields found in developing regions or disaster zones.

4. Multi-Mission Versatility

Charter, cargo, medical, ISR—this aircraft can transition between missions faster than most other turboprops or jets.

5. Lower Operating Costs

The PT6A turboprop engines are globally supported and offer low fuel burn and high reliability, reducing maintenance and downtime.

These advantages make the 350ER a favorite among charter operators, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations around the world.

Who Should Charter Beechcraft King Air 350ER

The King Air 350ER serves a wide variety of users across different industries and geographies. It’s an ideal aircraft for:

• Government and Military Agencies: Ideal for ISR missions, surveillance, search and rescue, and border patrol.

• Medical Evacuation Services: Long-range MEDEVAC with room for stretchers and medical crew.

• Offshore and Remote Operations: Transport to oil rigs, islands, or mining zones with no major airports.

• Disaster Relief and NGOs: Can fly into challenging environments with cargo and personnel.

• VIP and Executive Travel: Comfortable cabin for discreet long-range travel to smaller airports.

• Environmental Monitoring and Aerial Survey: Sensor-ready aircraft for land, wildlife, or pollution assessment.

Operators and charter brokers looking to offer mission-capable solutions with luxury flexibility will find the King Air 350ER an unmatched asset in its category.

Charter Cost Estimates for Beechcraft King Air 350ER

Given its extended range and mission-specific configurations, chartering the King Air 350ER can be more expensive than the standard 350, but still more affordable than equivalent jets.

Estimated charter pricing:

• Hourly Charter Rate: $2,200 to $3,200 USD

• One-Way Long-Range (1,500–2,000 miles): ~$10,000–$14,000 USD

• Multi-Day or Special Mission Flights: Custom pricing based on configuration, fuel stops, and crew needs

Operators often customize rates depending on whether the flight is passenger, surveillance, or air ambulance related, and whether empty leg repositioning is needed.

Despite its versatility, the 350ER remains one of the most cost-effective aircraft for long-range and remote charter operations.

Conclusion

The Beechcraft King Air 350ER is not just an aircraft—it’s a multi-mission platform built for endurance, flexibility, and performance in the world’s most demanding conditions. Whether operating in a business, governmental, or humanitarian capacity, the 350ER offers jet-like range, superior comfort, and unmatched turboprop efficiency.

Its ability to land almost anywhere, stay airborne for up to 12 hours, and reconfigure between missions makes it a top-tier choice for charter operators who value versatility. For passengers, it offers quiet comfort and point-to-point access that few aircraft in its class can provide.