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Beechcraft King Air 350/360CER

A small blue and white turboprop on the tarmac on sunny day

Credit: NOAA

Tail Numbers: N65RF N67RF N68RF
Call Signs: NOAA65 NOAA67 NOAA68

Specifications

Length: 46.66 ft
Wingspan: 57.91 ft
Range: 2300 nautical miles
Speed: 245.00 knots
Endurance: 8.00 hours
Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight: 16500 lbs
Maximum Gross Landing Weight: 15675 lbs
Ceiling: 35000 ft
Engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A

About the aircraft

NOAA operates two Beechcraft King Air 350 CERs and one King Air 360CER. These versatile, twin-engine, extended-range turboprop aircraft primarily support coastal mapping, snow and soil moisture surveys, and emergency response missions.

The aircraft feature two large downward-facing sensor ports that can support a wide variety of remote sensing systems, including digital cameras, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, topographic and bathymetric LIDAR systems, and gamma radiation detectors.

Normal aircraft configuration includes seating for two pilots, a sensor operator, and 1-2 additional crew members, depending on the amount of sensor equipment installed. With extended range capabilities, this aircraft can collect critical information while remaining airborne for 7 to 8 hours depending on fuel and payload.

The dual-sensor port modification allows simultaneous data collection from multiple sensors, enhancing sensor capabilities. Optical grade glass plates in the sensor ports allow the cabin to remain pressurized; the optical plates can be removed and the aircraft operated unpressurized, if required for science.