C-12C Huron

The C‑12C Huron is a military transport variant of Beechcraft’s Model 1900 twin‑engine turboprop, adapted for the United States Air Force in the early 1990s. Derived from the civilian 1900C airliner, the aircraft entered service in 1991 as part of the Air Force’s C‑12 family, providing a reliable, short‑range platform for personnel, cargo, and aeromedical evacuation missions. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑65 engines, the C‑12C delivers up to 1,500 shaft‑horsepower each, enabling a cruise speed of roughly 300 knots and a service ceiling of 26,000 feet. Its pressurized cabin seats up to nine passengers and can be rapidly reconfigured with litter stretchers, communications suites, or intelligence‑gathering equipment, making it a versatile workhorse for tactical airlift, ISR, and VIP transport roles. The aircraft’s rugged landing gear and short‑field performance allow operation from unimproved runways, enhancing expeditionary flexibility. Throughout its two‑decade career the C‑12C has proven essential for rapid intra‑theater logistics, supporting deployments in the Middle East, the Balkans, and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide. Though now being phased out for newer platforms, the Huron’s blend of commercial efficiency and military capability set a standard for utility turboprops in modern air forces.

Beechcraft

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Design & Classification