Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft King Air 360 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Beechcraft King Air 260 and 360 are twin‑engine turboprops aimed at similar missions, while the Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop optimized for efficiency and versatility. In category terms, the King Airs emphasize twin‑engine redundancy and strong short/rough-field capability with a more traditional light business twin profile; the PC‑12 NGX competes as a high‑performance single with a large cabin and strong utility/operator flexibility. For range, the King Air 260 typically sits in the mid‑1,500‑nautical‑mile class, the King Air 360 is broadly similar but often slightly higher depending on configuration and reserves, and the PC‑12 NGX is generally longer‑legged, commonly quoted around the ~1,800‑nautical‑mile class, again depending on payload, winds, and reserves. For passenger capacity, the King Air 260 is commonly configured around 7 to 9 passengers, the King Air 360 similarly seats roughly 8 to 9 in typical executive layouts, and the PC‑12 NGX is usually 6 to 9 in executive seating but can be arranged for more seats in commuter-style configurations.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Beechcraft King Air 360 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 4.20 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Beechcraft | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | KingAir 350i | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1560 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.53 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 5145 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,311 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 312 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $7,650,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | Optional | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | — | 13100 |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | PT6A-60A | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1050 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 35 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | 539 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 46.7 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 57.9 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 19.5 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 14.4 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | 19.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 71 | 40 |