Canada requests $300M FMS for King Air 350ER ISR aircraft.

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of three King Air 350ER (extended range) aircraft with customer unique post-modifications for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations for an estimated cost of $300 million,  the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on October 4, 2018.

Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft
(Credit: Beechcraft)

Canada has requested to buy three King Air 350ER aircraft with customer unique post-modifications for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations; three WESCAM MX-15D Electro-Optical & Infrared Imaging Sensors; three AN/AAR-47B(V)2 Missile and Laser Warning System (MWS); three AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS); three VORTEX Dual RF Ku LOS Transceivers; three COMSEC Modules (KGV-135A); two APM-424(V)5 Transponder Test Sets; five KIV-77 Mode 4/5 crypto applique computers for IFF; three AN/APX-119 IFF Digital Civil and Military Transponders; six ARC-210 Multi-mode Voice and Data Transceivers; three KG-250X NSA-Certified Type 1 Inline Network Encryptors (INE); technical data; mission equipment, communication and navigation equipment, special tools and test equipment, ground support equipment, airframe and engine spare parts, publications, MWO/ECPs, technical assistance, repair and return, training; and transportation of aircraft, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress and a contributor to military, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world,” the DSCA said.

The principal contractor will be Beechcraft (Textron Aviation), Wichita, Kansas.

The Beechcraft King Air 350ER Medium Turbo-prop is manufactured by Beechcraft Corp. between 2008 and 2009. It is a standard extended-range (ER) airplane, which includes additional fuel capacity and increased capability landing gear allowing for 2,500 nautical mile range and take-off weight of 16,500 lbs.