Textron Aviation celebrates its leadership of the twin-engine turboprop segment by announcing a Beechcraft King Air 300, delivered in 1987 and in service in the U.S. Army fleet of aircraft since 2009, has surpassed a significant 50,000 flight hours milestone.
“The Beechcraft King Air is the world leader in twin-turboprop special mission operations because of the aircraft’s unmatched capabilities, ruggedness and reliability,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales and Strategy for Textron Aviation. “On behalf of our Textron Aviation employees who proudly sell, build, deliver and support the U.S. Army’s Beechcraft King Air fleet, it is our distinct privilege to congratulate them on this momentous milestone.”
The milestone King Air 300 is one of a larger fleet of Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (MARSS) aircraft. MARSS aircraft are quick reaction capability assets supporting the U.S. Army’s requirement for aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. MARSS delivers imagery and signals intelligence data directly to the warfighter.
An aircraft that was able to reach 50,000 flight hours, with more than 30,000 hours in mostly austere environments, deserves recognition as do the Soldiers who flew and maintained the aircraft, and those who stood at the ready to support its missions through parts replacement, repairs and other requirements.
“The King Air Model 300 platform has been a solid performer,” stated Col. James DeBoer, project manager, U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office. “The aircraft was utilized heavily in CENTCOM to fill capability gaps over the past decade. An aircraft that was able to reach 50,000 flight hours, with more than 30,000 hours in mostly austere environments, deserves recognition as do the Soldiers who flew and maintained the aircraft, and those who stood at the ready to support its missions through parts replacement, repairs and other requirements.”
King Air leadership
Nearly 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers around the world since 1964, making it the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62 million flight hours in its 57 years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S. military and flying both commercial and special mission roles around the world.
Endless Special Mission Possibilities
When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special mission operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are preferred for air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and a number of other special operations.
