Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft King Air 360er vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a twin‑engine turboprop in the light business/utility category, typically configured for about 6 to 9 passengers. Its range is suited to regional missions, generally on the order of roughly 1,700 to 2,000 nautical miles depending on load, conditions, and reserves. The Beechcraft King Air 360ER is also a twin‑engine turboprop but positioned as a longer‑range, higher‑end variant for extended operations. Passenger capacity is similar in typical executive layouts (often around 6 to 9), but its distinguishing point is endurance and mission flexibility, with range commonly cited around roughly 2,000+ nautical miles and optimized for longer legs than the 260. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop in the light business/utility category, known for a large cabin and strong short/rough‑field capability. It commonly seats about 6 to 9 passengers (with higher‑density configurations possible), and offers long range comparable to or exceeding many light twins, often around roughly 1,800 to 2,000+ nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Beechcraft King Air 360ER | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 4.37 | $ 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 350ER | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 2338 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 6585 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,324 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 303 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $8,750,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | Yes (Belted 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 | Refreshment Center | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | — | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | Optional | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | — |
| 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 | 775 | — |
| 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 |