The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has ordered a Beechcraft King Air 360CER tactical airlift aircraft for the Marine Corps. Textron Aviation announced the $18.6 million deal yesterday for a turboprop twin designated as the UC-12W+, equipped to carry passengers and cargo.
The contract with the Naval Air Systems Command calls for delivery in 2028 and covers initial spare parts. According to Textron, the UC-12W+ will be equipped for short-notice, time-sensitive missions.
With a quick-change cabin configuration, it can carry medical evacuation equipment. The modified eight-passenger King Air 360CER will feature extended range fuel tanks and a large cargo door. It will come with the standard Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines and Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics, and will be upgraded with night-vision-compatible lighting, weather detection, gravel runway protection, and aircraft survivability systems.
The Marine Corps’ active Operational Support Airlift inventory already includes a mix of nine UC-12Ws and UC-12W+s. With the latest award, Textron has four of the type in production for a program that calls for a project fleet of 30 UC-12Ws.
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