The Beechcraft T-44 Pegasus is a twin-engine, pressurized turboprop aircraft used by the U.S. Navy for advanced multi-engine training. Developed from the civilian Beechcraft King Air 90, it entered service in April 1977 and has served as a primary multi-engine trainer for decades. The T-44 is powered by two PT6A-34B engines from Pratt & Whitney of Canada, each producing 550 shaft horsepower.
At Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, the T-44C Pegasus trains pilots in multi-engine operations, preparing them for larger aircraft like the P-3 Orion. Equipped with a glass cockpit, auto-pilot, and anti-icing systems, the aircraft provides a platform to learn advanced skills. Its tandem seating allows effective instructor-pilot communication, making it an ideal training setting. The T-44 earned a reputation as a reliable workhorse. In 2023, the Navy selected the T-54A King Air 260 to replace the T-44C fleet.
Looking to buy?
Looking to sell?
Expert behind this article
Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
What is the Beechcraft T-44 Pegasus?
The Beechcraft T-44 Pegasus is a twin-engine, pressurized, fixed-wing monoplane manufactured by Beech Aircraft Corporation, Wichita, Kansas. The T-44 aircraft is derived from the civilian Beechcraft King Air 90. Its primary function is a multi-engine aircraft trainer. The aircraft is used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard for advanced turboprop aircraft training. T-44 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-34B engines with 550 shp each.
The T-44 was developed to meet the U.S. Navy's requirement for a multi-engine trainer. The T-44 training platform prepares naval aviators for advanced aircraft like the P-3 Orion and E-2/C2. It bridges the gap between older piston-engine trainers and modern turboprop aircraft. The base design of the King Air 90 made it a suitable candidate because of its reliable twin-engine performance, flexible cabin space, and robust construction.
The T-44A had its first flight in April 1977 and entered service soon after. 61 T-44A planes were delivered to the American military at sea. The T-44C is an upgrade with a modern airplane control system. It has Collins Pro Line 21 plane computer system and Collins flight management system 3000. The T-44C provides digital displays and an integrated Flight Management System. The T-44 does not have combat abilities.
The T-44 is used by Training Air Wing 4 at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The wing has flying squadrons VT-31 and VT-35. Flight school for the T-44 lasts 6 months. The T-44 class covers multi-engine low-level flying. It has 111 total flight hours, 44 hours of flying lessons, and 152 hours of ground classes. The T-44 is powered by two 550 shaft horsepower PT6A-34B turboprop engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney of Canada. Maximum airspeed is 245 knots.
What are the specifications of the Beechcraft T-44?
The specifications of the Beechcraft T-44 are given in the table below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | Two PT6A-34B |
| Length | 35 feet 6 (10.82 meters) |
| Height | 14 feet 3 (4.34 meters) |
| Wingspan | 50 feet 3 (15.24 meters) |
| Empty weight | 6,246 pounds (2,833.1 kilograms) |
| Max weight | 9,650 pounds (4,377.2 kilograms) |
| Max airspeed | 245 knots |
| Ceiling | 31,300 feet (9,540 meters) |
| Max range | 1,300 nautical |
| Crew | Three |
| Armament | None |
The Beechcraft T-44 Pegasus had its first operational flight in April 1977. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-34B turboprop engines, each with 550 shaft horsepower. Its length is 10.82 meters (35 feet 6 inches), height is 4.34 meters (14 feet 3 inches), and wingspan is 15.32 meters (50 feet 3 inches). Empty weight is 6,246 pounds (2,833 kg) and maximum takeoff weight is 9,650 pounds (4,377 kg). Maximum airspeed is 245 knots (281.94 miles per hour or 453.74 kilometers per hour). Ceiling is 9,540 meters, and maximum range is 1,300 nautical miles (2,407.6 km). Crew is 3: one instructor pilot and two student pilots. The T-44C variant has a modern digital cockpit with advanced navigation and storm finder tools, while the T-44A uses old-fashioned instruments. Propellers automatically change blade angle to hold a set RPM chosen by the pilot.
What is the performance Beechcraft T-44?
The performance of the Beechcraft T-44 is given in the table below.
| Aspect | Value | unit |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 245 knots | knots |
| Ceiling | 31300 ft | feet |
| Range | 1400 nm | nm |
| Power | 550 shp | shp |
The Beechcraft T-44 has a maximum airspeed of 245 knots (about 454 kilometers per hour). It has a service ceiling of 31,300 feet (9,540 meters), which is why it effectively replicates conditions encountered by larger military aircraft. It has a range of 1,300 nautical miles. It operates with two Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-34B engines, each producing 550 shaft horsepower.
What is the price for the Beechcraft T-44?
The price of the Beechcraft T44 Pegasus is not publicly available. However, the Navy gave a contract of 113.1 million dollars, which is about 11.3 million dollars per plane.
