Beechcraft NC-12B Huron

The Beechcraft NC‑12B Huron is a twin‑engine, low‑wing transport aircraft developed in the early 1960s by the American manufacturer Beechcraft. Originating from the Model 24 series, the Huron was designed to serve both military and civilian customers as a versatile utility plane. Its first flight occurred on 22 May 1960, and the aircraft entered production later that year, with a total of 79 units built before the line closed in 1965. Powered by two Pratt Whitney Canada PT6A‑20 turboprop engines delivering 550 shaft horsepower each, the NC‑12B offered a cruising speed of 260 knots, a range of roughly 1,200 nautical miles, and a spacious cabin that could accommodate up to 12 passengers or cargo pallets. Notable features include a retractable tricycle landing gear, de‑icing systems for all critical surfaces, and a pressurized fuselage that allowed operation above 20,000 feet. The Huron’s robust construction and reliable performance earned it a reputation for short‑field capability and harsh‑environment endurance, making it popular with regional airlines, air‑ambulance services, and military transport units. Although eclipsed by newer turboprops, the NC‑12B Huron remains a significant example of Beechcraft’s transition from piston‑engine trainers to modern turboprop transports.