The Beechcraft King Air 300 developed out of a need for a turboprop aircraft with greater engine power and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) than its predecessor the Beechcraft King Air 200. On September 3, 1983, the first Beechcraft King Air 300 took flight and by 1984, deliveries had begun. However, on problem Beechcraft ran into involved the higher MTOW, for many nations would not permit such weights in turboprop aircraft, so the company simultaneously developed the Model 300LW, a lighter version.
