• Multi-mission Beechcraft King Air 360CER provides flexible passenger, cargo and medical transport for time-sensitive Marine Corps operations

The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Textron Aviation a firm-fixed-price contract for one Beechcraft King Air 360CER aircraft, designated the UC-12W+, and an initial package of spare parts for the U.S. Marine Corps. The award supports the Corps’ need for fast, flexible passenger and cargo transport.

THE AWARD: Naval Air Systems Command awarded the $18.6 million contract Sept. 28, 2026. It includes one UC-12W+ aircraft plus initial spares. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

WHY IT MATTERS: The UC-12W+ is a tactical airlift platform built for short-notice, time-sensitive and high-priority missions. Its cabin is easily reconfigurable to support passenger, cargo and mixed-use utility layouts. It can also carry medical evacuation litters, giving Marine units one aircraft for many transport needs.

BUILT FOR THE MISSION: Based on the rugged King Air 360CER, the aircraft pairs extended-range fuel tanks and a large cargo door with Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines. Mission equipment includes secure military avionics and communications, night-vision-compatible lighting, weather detection, gravel-runway protection and aircraft survivability systems. An eight-seat passenger layout can be reconfigured when the mission calls for cargo or medical transport.

FAST FACT: The U.S. Marine Corps’ active Operational Support Airlift inventory includes nine operational UC-12W and UC-12W+ aircraft. With this latest award, four additional UC-12W+ aircraft are in production and expected to be delivered in 2028. The program calls for a projected fleet of 30 UC-12W aircraft. These modern, multi-mission turboprops are steadily replacing legacy, nondeployable UC-12F, UC-12M and UC-35D utility aircraft. The fleet operates from various U.S. Marine Corps Air Stations and transportation squadrons, to include Camp Pendleton, California.