Beechcraft UC-12B Huron

The Beechcraft UC‑12B Huron is a twin‑engine, pressurized turboprop that originated as the civilian Super King Air 200 and was adapted for United States military use in the early 1990s. Beechcraft delivered the first aircraft to the U.S. Army in 1994, where it replaced the aging C‑12 and C‑7 fleets for liaison, personnel transport, and light cargo missions. The UC‑12B is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑41 engines, each producing 850 shaft horsepower, and features a six‑seat cabin with quick‑change configurations for medical evacuation or cargo. Its high‑wing design provides excellent short‑field performance, while the integrated avionics suite—typically the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4—offers GPS navigation, synthetic vision, and digital flight‑control monitoring. The aircraft’s robust construction, low operating cost, and ability to operate from austere airstrips have made it a valuable asset for the Army’s 12th Aviation Brigade and allied forces worldwide. The UC‑12B Huron exemplifies the versatility of the King Air family, bridging civilian reliability with military mission flexibility and influencing subsequent utility‑transport turboprop designs. In addition, a series of incremental upgrades—including enhanced communication radios, improved de‑icing systems, and optional EFIS glass cockpits—have extended the platform’s service life into the 2020s, ensuring the UC‑12B remains a benchmark for cost‑effective aviation.

Beechcraft

Beechcraft UC-12B Huron

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Design & Classification