Beechcraft King Air 300 surpasses 50,000 flight hours

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 US Army’s requirement for aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. MARSS delivers imagery and signals intelligence data directly to the warfighter.

Filling capability gaps over the past decade

“The King Air Model 300 platform has been a solid performer,” said Col. James DeBoer, Project Manager, US Army Fixed Wing Project Office. “The aircraft was utilized heavily 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.”

The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62 million flight hours in its 57 years, serving roles in all branches of the US military and flying both commercial and special mission roles around the world.

Last year, Textron introduced its next generation of the King Air turboprop family, the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER.