Beechcraft’s popular King Air line has a long history of civilian travel, but is slowly becoming a go-to for military use. The Iraqi Air Force just upgraded their current contract to include logistics support for their fleet of King Air 350’s under the Iraqi Peace Dragon Program. The $16.6 million modification will send Beechcraft teams to Iraq to complete the work by September of 2015.
King Air’s military success has mostly come from the aircraft’s durability and versatility. They have proved to be an important part of militaries around the world because of the functions listed below:
- Aerial surveillance capabilities
- Type training
- VIP transport
- Hauling cargo
- Endurance from overwing engine nacelle fuel lockers
- Low altitude surveillance for up to 8 hours
- Heavyweight landing gear
- 360 degree surveillance capability
- Long-range camera’s and infrared
- Crash less than UAV’s
- Comfortable for crew
King Air’s functionality gives other aircrafts a run for their money, which is why the United States and other militaries are using them. Its simple design and modification options make King Air a desirable aircraft for defense departments.
Not only are these aircraft’s being used for combat, but for federal agencies’ search and rescue missions, as well as in the war against pirates, drugs, and illegal immigration.
Although there are only approximately 1000 being used for military purposes, compared to the 6000 being used for civilian use, the military demand for the King Air’s does appear to be rising. And based on this recent contract upgrade, it seems the military loyalty to Beechcraft is also there.