Textron Aviation celebrates its leadership of the\ntwin-engine turboprop segment by announcing a Beechcraft King Air 300,\ndelivered in 1987 and in service in the U.S. Army fleet of aircraft since 2009,\nhas surpassed a significant 50,000 flight hours milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Beechcraft King Air is the world leader in\ntwin-turboprop special mission operations because of the aircraft\u2019s unmatched\ncapabilities, ruggedness and reliability,\u201d said Bob Gibbs, vice president,\nSpecial Mission Sales and Strategy for Textron Aviation. \u201cOn behalf of our Textron Aviation employees\nwho proudly sell, build, deliver and support the U.S. Army\u2019s Beechcraft King\nAir fleet, it is our distinct privilege to congratulate them on this momentous\nmilestone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The milestone King Air 300 is one of a larger fleet of\nMedium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (MARSS) aircraft. MARSS aircraft are quick reaction capability\nassets supporting the U.S. Army\u2019s requirement for aerial intelligence,\nsurveillance and reconnaissance. MARSS\ndelivers imagery and signals intelligence data directly to the warfighter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An aircraft that was able to reach 50,000 flight hours, with\nmore than 30,000 hours in mostly austere environments, deserves recognition as\ndo the Soldiers who flew and maintained the aircraft, and those who stood at\nthe ready to support its missions through parts replacement, repairs and other\nrequirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe King Air Model 300 platform has been a solid performer,\u201d\nstated Col. James DeBoer, project manager, U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office.\n\u201cThe aircraft was utilized heavily in CENTCOM to fill capability gaps over the\npast decade. An aircraft that was able to reach 50,000 flight hours, with more\nthan 30,000 hours in mostly austere environments, deserves recognition as do\nthe Soldiers who flew and maintained the aircraft, and those who stood at the\nready to support its missions through parts replacement, repairs and other\nrequirements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
King Air leadership <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearly 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been\ndelivered to customers around the world since 1964, making it the best-selling\nbusiness turboprop family in the world. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62\nmillion flight hours in its 57 years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S.\nmilitary and flying both commercial and special mission roles around the world.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Endless Special Mission Possibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n