Mission
The MC-12W is a medium-to low-altitude, twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Its primary mission is providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support directly to ground forces. The MC-12W is a joint forces air component commander asset in support of the joint force commander.
Features
The MC-12W is not just an aircraft, but a complete collection, processing, analysis and dissemination system. The aircraft are military versions of the Hawker Beechcraft Super King Air 350ER. A fully operational system consists of a modified aircraft with mission system suit, electro-optical infrared sensors, line-of-sight and satellite communications datalinks, along with a robust voice communications suite.
The MC-12W is equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to operate in various austere conditions.
Background
The "M" is the Department of Defense designation for a multi-role version of the well-known C-12 series. In April 2008, the secretary of defense established a DoD-wide ISR task force to identify and recommend solutions for increased ISR in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. On July 1, 2008, the secretary of defense tasked the Air Force to acquire the C-12 class aircraft to augment unmanned systems. Of note, it was less than eight months from funding approval to delivery in the theater.
The MC-12W capability supports all aspects of the Air Force Irregular Warfare mission (counter insurgency, foreign internal defense and building partnership capacity). Medium-to low-altitude ISR is a core mission for the Air Force.
The first MC-12W arrived at Key Field in Meridian, Mississippi, April 28, 2009. The first MC-12W flew its first combat support sortie June 12, 2009. The fleet of 13 aircraft later transferred to the 137th Air Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, and arrived at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base July 10, 2015.
General Characteristics
Primary function: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
Contractor: L-3 Communications
Power plant: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-60A
Wingspan: 57 feet 11 inches (17.65 meters)
Length: 46 feet 8 inches (14.22 meters)
Height: 14 feet 4 inches (4.37 meters)
Weight: 12,500 pounds empty (5,669 kilograms)
Maximum takeoff weight: 16,500 pounds
Fuel capacity: 5,192 pounds (2,355 kilograms)
Range: approximately 2,400 nautical miles
Armament: none
Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Combat Systems Officer, 1 Tactical Systems Operator
Initial operating capability: June 2009
Unit cost: $17 million (aircraft and all communications equipment modifications)
Inventory: active duty, 0; Reserve, 0; ANG, 13
(Current as of January 2025)