AIR.ONE

Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Cessna Grand Caravan Sesna

The Beechcraft King Air 260 is best described as a pressurized, twin‑engine turboprop business and utility aircraft, positioned between entry‑level turboprops and light jets. In category terms, it competes with other high-performance cabin-class turboprops used for corporate transport, air taxi, and special-mission roles, offering jet-like cockpit capability while retaining turboprop field and operating flexibility. For range, the King Air 260 is suited to regional and medium-length missions, typically covering roughly 1,500–2,000 nautical miles depending on payload, reserves, winds, and speed profile, which makes it practical for point-to-point trips that would be inefficient by airline schedules but don’t require long-range jet endurance. In passenger capacity, it is commonly configured for about six to eight passengers in a comfortable executive layout, with flexibility for fewer passengers to prioritize baggage, cabin space, or mission equipment; maximum seating can be higher in denser configurations, but its typical role emphasizes comfort and usable cabin volume over airline-style seat counts.

SpecBeechcraft King Air 260
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 4.30
Min Crew1
Total Seats8
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerBeechcraft
Aircraft NameKingAir 250
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1420
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.72
Max Cabin Seats8
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)3760
Standard Cabin Seats6
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,333
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)310
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,450,000
Cabin
Cockpit2
Lavatory1 Flushing
Min Crew1
Total Seats8
Max Cabin Seats8
Lavatory LocationAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.5
Galley / RefreshmentNo
Standard Cabin Seats6
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)15293
Engine
FADECYes
ModelPT6A-52
TBO (hrs)3600
Horsepower850
Flat RatingISA + 37
No. of Engines1
Fuel Capacity (gal)544
Dimensions
Length (ft)43.8
Wingspan (ft)57.9
Cabin Width (ft)4.5
Cabin Height (ft)4.8
Cabin Length (ft)16.7
Overall Height (ft)14.8
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)4.1
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)55