Hawker Beechcraft Delivers First Special Mission King Air Turboprop to Russia

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced that it has delivered the first Beechcraft King Air series turboprop in Russia. Designed for quick conversion from VIP transportation to photographic missions, a specially modified King Air 350 with provisions for dual digital mapping cameras was recently accepted by Vasilly Popov on behalf of Aviation & Applied Ecology of Moscow. The King Air series received certification from the Interstate Aviation Committee Aviation Register of Russia in December 2009.

“The King Air series is the type of aircraft that can perform a variety of missions throughout Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States where the number of airports and aircraft support infrastructure is still developing,” said Ted Farid, HBC senior vice president, International Sales. “The use of this particular airplane for mapping means that it will undoubtedly spend a great deal of time away from populated areas and a traditional support network. That’s where the rugged durability of the King Air will be an obvious asset.”

The King Air is among the most rugged, widely utilized and capable platforms in the world. The King Air 350 is also certified by the United States Federal Aviation Administration in the Commuter Category and provides the operating envelope necessary for operations in Russia. It has a Maximum Operating Altitude of 10,668 meters (35,000 ft.), but is also approved to operate from unimproved as well as paved runways. The airplane is able to take off in 1,006 meters (3,300 ft.) and lands in just 821 meters (2,692 ft.).

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.