"SN" yr right of course as far as design goes but in today's economic climate it would be a very brave Co. whom could or would embark on building a new type these days to go head to head with Beech to produce a better 'mouse trap' Just won't happen in the foreseeable future I reckon.
It's a bit like the "Pig" as I mentioned in a previous post they (Piaggio) wouldn't have a snow flakes chance in hell here in Oz for many years to come if ever in our time purely because nobody again in today's current crappy climate will take on a new airframe type here in Oz never lone use it for a dedicated service such as an flying ambulance.
So for now we have one choice for those who believe in safety & 2 choices for those that believe in garden gnomes & saving money
Not on my watch Mr
Wmk2
EDIT for Freight Dog:-)
I did read something about that some time ago but I still stand by my words that we won't see a Beech competitor especially for Aero Med work for a very long time:-)
Socata as mentioned are not sure what will power their NT (New Twin) at this stage but if it is to be turbo fans then that's not in the same league as the old Beech anyway:-)