Hawker Beechcraft to Equip Marine Corps UC-12W Planes with Extended Range Tanks

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced it has received a contract from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to equip two special mission King Air 350 aircraft with extended range fuel tanks. The added fuel capacity will provide the two aircraft, designated by the military as UC-12W Hurons, with more than 40 percent more usable fuel, bringing their capacity to 5,192 pounds and maximum endurance to more than 12 hours in the air and 45 minutes of fuel in reserve. The two aircraft are part of an order placed by the USMC in July 2008 for six UC-12W aircraft. The first Huron was rolled out of the HBC factory on May 18, 2010.

“The extended range versions of the Huron will be able to fly in excess of 2,500 nautical miles at maximum range power settings, making it possible to ferry the airplanes anywhere in the world without adding auxiliary tanks and thereby allowing rapid deployment regardless of the destination,” said Jim Maslowski, HBC president, U.S. and International Government Business.

“We understand the importance of providing an extremely flexible and durable aircraft that can perform multiple missions and deploy at a moment’s notice to support our troops.”

HBC has been providing King Air turboprops to the USMC for more than 20 years. The current UC-12 aircraft are military transport versions of the Beechcraft King Air 200, which have been providing urgent intra-theater transport of high priority cargo/passengers to the USMC for the last 20 years. The UC-12W, a modified version of the King Air 350 equipped with a cargo door and military required equipment, is a modern and improved version of the UC-12. As the flagship and the largest of the King Air line, the versatility and capability of the King Air 350 make it ideal for military use. The UC-12W will provide the USMC with advanced technology and greater reliability. It is faster, has more range and carries more useful cargo and two additional passengers than the UC-12.

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.