Get selling. That was the message from Hawker Beechcraft chief executive Bill Boisture to his executives after the company's unveiling of a special mission demonstrator for its King Air 350ER earlier this week.
The twin-turboprop carries the registration N1459, with this representing the number of special mission-adapted King Airs to have been sold on the global market by earlier this year.
"I've told the team I want twice as many. Two 'x' is a good number," Boisture said. "We have worldwide interest in the King Air for a variety of missions, and a strong pipeline of prospects."
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Hawker Beechcraft recently re-organised its special mission activities within a dedicated business unit, which Boisture said will improve its production efficiency. "We're trying to bring a more standard conversion process, with fewer unique modifications."
One immediate sales prospect had been to supply an initial six 350ERs as part of the US Army's enhanced medium-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance system (EMARSS) requirement. However, this is now in doubt, due to a Congressional push to transfer ownership of the US Air Force's Project Liberty MC-12W King Air fleet to the army.
Boisture described the current process as "a roles and mission discussion", adding "it remains to be seen if that affects EMARSS".
Also on show this week is the first of two special mission-roled King Air B200s for the air force of Malta. The aircraft has been equipped with search and rescue and maritime patrol equipment by Germany's Aerodata.
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Source: Flight Daily News
