So, in discussing some different options for a company I manage planes for, we've come up with a need for the above. Doing 1000-1100NM trips on a regular basis, always calculating fuel, winds and weather in the KA 200. Can't get a jet in and out of the home base over 20k, so that takes out many. Was thinking Excel at first, but the fuel burns are substantially higher than the turboprop.

Thinking that the popularity of the KA 350 lately leads me to believe that there is a market for such a plane. Something composite along the lines of the Piaggio (little too small), but meets the performance spec from what I can see.

Understandably, the owner pilot segment had driven many great designs of late, but this is a completely utilitarian design, much like the KA 350. As much as I like King Airs, there has to be a more efficient way to move 8-10 people than 60's technology. Understanding that the turboprop is the most efficient engine design I think there's a place for a new design.

You mean 20,000 lbs? Is that a runway weight limit?

Correct 20,000# weight limit.

I'm guessing he means 20,000 lbs. That's the limit at Montgomery Field in San Diego.

http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#278

High performance / limited runway is a thin niche.

6 pax, need 8-10. From what I've found, any jet that can carry 8 people has much larger fuel requirements. That's why I'm thinking turboprop, it has to be the most efficient way to move people and the piaggio has proven that 400kts is achievable on 850shph per side.

There's quite a few jets that will do this mission with 6 pax btw.

6 pax in an exec configuration. Would a first class airline style layout work- that would take 8.

Needs to be comparable to a King Air 350, double club configuration. Two extras in the back on the potty seat and one in baggage is fine, they wouldn't be used all that much.

I am not much of a piper fan but the flight profile fits

http://www.cheyenneairservice.com/sites ... C_PERF.pdf

How about a Piaggio Avanti?

http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/turbo ... -avanti-ii

I like the Merlin IV C. Faster then a KA, under 20,000 lbs and well built with those efficient Garrett engines

Steve, sounds like an airplane I would like to own. I say build it, they will come

I like the Merlin, Piaggio and Cheyenne, but the 8-10 pax is the problem. I don't believe any of them can do this comfortably. Think replacement for the KA 350, but faster.

Michael, I think there's a market for it. You and your family would definitely be interested I'm sure.

Commander Jetprop 1000 pretty capable in this segment. Don't know if it will go 1600nm full up, but close? Although certainly not modern.

There is (was?) a Merlin IV with 1650HP TPE's out there, stupid fast airplane.

Someone on here have posted pictures of it, perhaps I can find it.