Beechcraft King Air 360 vs Cessna Citation M2
The Beechcraft King Air 360 and Cessna Citation M2 sit in different aircraft categories and are often chosen for different mission profiles. The King Air 360 is a twin‑engine turboprop, valued for versatility, strong short‑ and rougher‑field capability, and efficient operation at lower altitudes and shorter stage lengths. The Citation M2 is a light business jet, optimized for higher cruise speeds and smoother high‑altitude travel. In range, the King Air 360 generally offers a longer reach, typically around 1,800 nautical miles class depending on payload and conditions, while the Citation M2 is usually closer to about 1,500 nautical miles class. Real‑world range for both varies with passengers, fuel reserves, winds, and climb profiles. For passenger capacity, both are commonly configured for about 6 to 8 passengers, but the King Air 360 often accommodates 8 more comfortably in typical executive layouts, whereas the Citation M2 is most commonly arranged for around 6 to 7 passengers plus crew.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 360 | Cessna Citation M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.20 | $ 3.45 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 350i | M2 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1560 | 1400 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.53 | $ 0.58 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5145 | 3810 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,311 | $ 1,395 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 312 | 404 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,650,000 | $5,150,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | Optional | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 8.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Optional | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 22027 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-60A | FJ44-1AP-21 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3500 |
| Horsepower | 1050 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 7 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 539 | 492 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 1965 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 516 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 46.7 | 42.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 47.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 19.5 | 11 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.4 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 19.5 | 8.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 71 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46 |