The King Air 350i, manufactured by Beechcraft Corporation, is the most fuel-efficient twin-engine turboprop business aircraft in the aviation market. What you may not know about this specific aircraft is that due to its durability, ruggedness and fuel efficiency, it is now the second most common air transport of the US military, second to the American C-130 aircraft.
Attractions of the US Military
The base model King Air 350i can fly up to 578 mph and travel up to 1,500 nautical miles, according to Beechcraft Corp. This equals about five hours of travel for seven passengers. According to Aviation Week, this aircraft’s estimated direct operating cost is, “less than $1,200 per hour, including engine reserves, scheduled maintenance and at $6.00 per gallon for fuel.”
Military Uses of the King Air 350
Although the US Military has over 300 of these aircraft in use, they have acquired more than 1,000 since its production and are still purchasing them. The military uses the King Air 350iER (Extended Range) edition for intelligence missions, aerial survey and surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions. The military has put the Beechcraft King Air 350 and earlier King Air models to use as transport planes and electronic warfare use. They refit the cabin with electronic sensors, radios, video cameras and jammers. Using the Beechcraft King Air aircraft equipped with the latest Communications Electronics Attack with Surveillance and Reconnaissance (Ceasar), the ground troops get information regarding enemy devices and translations of enemy communications.
King Air 350 and Project Liberty
According to Defense Industry Daily, former US Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, pushed to strengthen the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) used in the war in the Middle East. This push toward added surveillance was named Project Liberty, which resulted in the purchase of 30 Beechcraft King Air 350’s for the US Army. The refitted King Air is known as the MC-12. The King Air 350 can land on airfields shorter than 3,000 feet. In September 2013, the King Air 350 was equipped with full laser targeting that assisted helicopters, and Hellfire and AGM-65 Maverick missiles, as well as 70mm rockets.
The aircraft is definitely set up for multi-mission solutions as including utility, transport and air ambulance.
Do you have an experience with the Beechcraft King Air 350iER or C-12? Let us know at info@kingairnation.com!