Uses of lightweight variant King Air 300 include air ambulance services

Beechcraft also introduced a lightweight version (300LW) because several countries could not get the type certified with an MTOW of more than 12,500 lbs (5,700 kg). The LW version was used in various utility applications including air ambulance services, navigation aids calibration, and light cargo operations.

The Beechcraft Model 300 is an improved version of the Model 200. With its popularity growing in the early '80s, Beechcraft began work on its successor aircraft. The airframe was reinforced to accommodate more powerful Pratt & Whitney PT6A-60A engines.

“The reshaped engine intakes drove a change in the design of the cowlings,” stated BlueBarronPhoto on Shutterstock. “The engine’s greater thrust performance was also associated with these cowlings.”

Beechcraft designed both versions simultaneously due to certification restrictions from some regulatory authorities regarding MTOW limits above 12,500 lbs. A total of 35 examples of the lowered MTOW design (300LW) were built for European markets.

According to Paramount Business Jets: “Very-high frequency omnidirectional ranges (VORs) are the main NAVAID that support the United States airway system... They provide a bearing to and from the NAVAID as well as magnetic direction.”

Nineteen specialized Model 300 aircraft were developed for FAA navaid purposes; two were conversions while seventeen were purpose-built for flexibility required during navaid flights. Other countries such as Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Norway, Sweden, and Taiwan have also utilized this model for similar purposes.

In October 2008 Beechcraft introduced significant updates with the King Air 350i model which focused on passenger comfort improvements including lower noise levels and advanced cabin features like LED lights control from seats.

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