It’s not often that airliners are on display at Sun ‘n Fun but Raytheon’s Beechcraft 1900D “Missionator” demo aircraft was in the commercial area showing the versatility of the design. And no, that’s not a misprint. When Raytheon sold off what is now Hawker Beechcraft, it kept the airliner division, even though the aircraft are built by Beech. The 1900D is the current generation of the aircraft, which was designed specifically as a 19-seat regional airliner. Company spokesman Skip Gallagher said in a podcast interview it wasn’t long before operators discovered other uses for the versatile turboprop with the stand-up, box-like interior.
The Missionator cabin is divided into three sections showcasing its capability for medevac, passenger and cargo operations. Gallagher said the ubiquitous short-haul airliner is still enjoying strong sales, even in the tough economy. Most of the sales are coming from outside the U.S., however. The Missionator tour started in California and went as far north as Calgary, Alberta before heading to Sun ‘n Fun. After Florida, it heads for an extensive tour of South America.
