Beechcraft TC-12B Huron

The Beechcraft TC‑12B Huron is the military‑transport version of the Model 58 twin‑engine commuter that entered production in the early 1970s. Developed for the United States Navy and Air National Guard, the TC‑12B first flew in 1975 and was quickly adopted for personnel and light cargo ferry missions, leveraging the proven reliability of the King Air family. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑41 turboprop engines delivering 850 shp each, the aircraft offers a cruising speed of roughly 300 kt and a range exceeding 1,500 nm, enabling rapid intra‑theater movement. The airframe features a pressurised cabin with a capacity for up to ten passengers or equivalent cargo, a reinforced under‑carriage for rough‑field operations, and advanced avionics that were, at the time, among the first to integrate digital navigation and weather radar in a twin‑turboprop platform. Its low operating costs, short‑field performance, and straightforward maintenance made the TC‑12B a versatile workhorse, supporting training, command liaison, and medical evacuation roles. The aircraft’s enduring service record highlights Beechcraft’s impact on modern military transport, illustrating how a civilian design can be effectively adapted for tactical aerospace needs.

Beechcraft

Beechcraft TC-12B Huron

Classification

Design & Classification