Beechcraft King Air 300 MARSS

The Beechcraft King Air 300 MARSS is a militarized version of the popular King Air 300 series, produced by Beechcraft, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation. First introduced in the early 1990s, the MARSS (Multi‑Mission Aircraft Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Strike) program adapted the civilian twin‑engine turboprop for battlefield intelligence, surveillance and forward‑air‑control roles. Built on the robust C90 platform, the 300 series features a pressurized cabin, de‑icing systems, and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑135A engines delivering 750 shaft‑horsepower each, giving a cruise speed of roughly 300 knots and a range exceeding 1,500 nautical miles. The MARSS kit adds an advanced glass cockpit, mission‑specific sensor pods, and a weapons‑release system capable of carrying precision‑guided munitions, rockets and external fuel tanks. Its ability to operate from short, unimproved runways and its relatively low operating cost make it a versatile asset for both NATO allies and U.S. special‑operations forces. The aircraft’s blend of civilian reliability with military payload capacity has cemented its reputation as a cost‑effective solution for persistent ISR and light attack missions, influencing subsequent turboprop‑derived combat platforms worldwide. It remains in service with several air forces, demonstrating its enduring operational relevance.

Beechcraft

Beechcraft King Air 300 MARSS

Classification

Design & Classification