Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft King Air 360 vs Beechcraft King Air 360er vs Cessna Citation Cj4
The Beechcraft King Air 260, King Air 360, and King Air 360ER are twin‑turboprop aircraft, generally optimized for shorter to midrange missions with strong short/rough-field capability and lower operating complexity than light jets. The King Air 260 is the smallest of the three, typically configured for about 6 to 9 passengers and suited to regional trips, with range roughly around 1,500–1,700 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The King Air 360 is a step up in cabin refinement and capability, commonly seating about 6 to 9 passengers, with a similar general range class, often around 1,500–1,800 nautical miles. The King Air 360ER is the long-range variant, still typically 6 to 9 passengers, but with substantially more endurance, commonly quoted around 2,000+ nautical miles. The Cessna Citation CJ4 is a light business jet, typically seating about 7 to 10 passengers, and it generally offers higher cruise speeds and jet comfort for longer nonstop legs, with range commonly around 2,000+ nautical miles, depending on configuration and reserves.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Beechcraft King Air 360 | Beechcraft King Air 360ER | Cessna Citation CJ4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 4.20 | $ 4.37 | $ 4.37 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Beechcraft | Beechcraft | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | KingAir 350i | KingAir 350ER | CJ4 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1560 | 2338 | 2170 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.53 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 5145 | 6585 | 6914 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,311 | $ 1,324 | $ 1,970 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 312 | 303 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $7,650,000 | $8,750,000 | $11,290,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | Optional | Yes (Belted Optional) | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional | Refreshment Center | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | — | — | 24005 |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Optional | — |
| Crew Rest | — | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | — | No |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | PT6A-60A | PT6A-60A | FJ44-4A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1050 | 1050 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 11 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | 539 | 775 | 870 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | — | 3621 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | — | 757 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 46.7 | 46.7 | 53.4 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 57.9 | 57.9 | 50 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 19.5 | 19.5 | 17.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 14.4 | 14.4 | 15.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | 19.5 | 19.5 | 14.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 71 | 71 | 7 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | — | 0.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 70 |