The story
The U-21 Ute grew out of a 1963 experiment: Beechcraft hung PT6 turboprops on a Queen Air, and that proof of concept led to the King Air. The Army bought U-21s for staff transport, cargo and medevac, plus RU-21 versions packed with radio direction-finding gear that served in Vietnam. The Army retired the type in January 2000 and many went to civil operators, so survivors usually wear civilian paint.
Like most Army aircraft it is named after a Native American people, and its prototype flew in May 1963, months before the first King Air.
Quick answers
How do you identify a U-21 Ute?
Looks like an early King Air with squared-off cabin windows and a conventional low tail. Army olive drab on museum pieces; civilian colours on most of the ones still flying.
What does a U-21 Ute sound like?
Twin PT6 turboprops: the steady King Air whistle.
How fast is the U-21 Ute?
Top speed is 230 kts.
How many passengers does the U-21 Ute carry?
Up to 10.
How far can the U-21 Ute fly?
Range is about 1,056 nmi.
How big is the U-21 Ute?
It is 35 ft 6 in long and 45 ft 11 in across the wings.
When did the U-21 Ute first fly?
Its first flight was in 1963.
How many U-21 Utes have been built?
171 built.
How rare is a U-21 Ute in Bogey?
UNCOMMON. Not rare, but not every day either. Worth looking up for. Your first U-21 Ute catch is worth 50 points.
