Beechcraft
Beechcraft RC-12D
The Beechcraft RC‑12D is a military variant of the Model 350‑I Super Cruiser, adapted by Beechcraft for the United States Army’s battlefield surveillance program. Introduced in the early 1990s, the RC‑12D built on the success of the earlier RC‑12K, incorporating an upgraded sensor suite and enhanced communications equipment to meet the Army’s evolving intelligence‑, surveillance‑, and reconnaissance (ISR) needs. Powered by a 550‑shaft‑horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑36 turboprop, the aircraft offers a cruising speed of roughly 300 kt and a service ceiling near 30,000 ft, providing extended on‑station time and rapid redeployment across theater.
Key features include the AN/ASN‑153 Multi‑Function Radio Intercept System, a fully integrated digital data‑link, and a belly‑mounted radar‑mounted sensor pod capable of day and night imagery, signals intelligence, and target acquisition. The cabin can be reconfigured for additional crew or equipment, while the robust airframe retains the Super Cruiser’s renowned reliability and short‑field performance.
The RC‑12D’s significance lies in its role as a cost‑effective, low‑observable ISR platform that bridged the gap between high‑end tactical aircraft and small UAVs. Its contribution to real‑time battlefield awareness during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and subsequent conflicts cemented its reputation as a versatile workhorse in modern military aviation.
Key features include the AN/ASN‑153 Multi‑Function Radio Intercept System, a fully integrated digital data‑link, and a belly‑mounted radar‑mounted sensor pod capable of day and night imagery, signals intelligence, and target acquisition. The cabin can be reconfigured for additional crew or equipment, while the robust airframe retains the Super Cruiser’s renowned reliability and short‑field performance.
The RC‑12D’s significance lies in its role as a cost‑effective, low‑observable ISR platform that bridged the gap between high‑end tactical aircraft and small UAVs. Its contribution to real‑time battlefield awareness during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and subsequent conflicts cemented its reputation as a versatile workhorse in modern military aviation.
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Classification
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Beechcraft
- Operator
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United States Army
- Wikidata ID
- Q15622929