Beechcraft King Air 350CER

NOAA's Beechcraft King Air 350CER N68RF prepares for takeoff.
NOAA’s two Beechcraft King Air 350 CERs are versatile, twin-engine, extended-range turboprop aircraft. They primarily support coastal mapping, snow and soil moisture surveys, and emergency response missions.
These 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. Other aircraft features include a cargo door on both N67RF and N68RF and bubble observation windows on N68RF.
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.
Type |
King Air 350 CER |
---|---|
Crew |
2 Pilots, 1 Photographer, 1-2 Additional Mission Crewmembers |
Ceiling |
35,000 ft (pressurized) |
Rate of Climb |
2400 fpm at sea level (max takeoff weight, ISA conditions) |
Maximum Operating Airspeed |
Sea Level to 24,000 ft – 245 KIAS |
Scientific Power |
Maximum mission bus load: 250 Amps @ 115 VAC / 28 VDC |
Aircraft Modifications |
Dual sensor ports with optical glass pressure plates and electronically operated FOD doors, cargo door, convex observer windows |
Maximum Gross Weight |
Takeoff: 16,500 lbs |
Basic Empty Weight |
10,567 lbs |
Useful Load |
6033 lbs |
Fuel Load |
Main Tanks: 2546 lbs |
Standard Fuel Burn |
650 lbs/hr total |
Wing Span |
57 ft 11 in |
Total Length |
46 ft 8 in |
Fuselage Height |
9 ft 2 in |
Tail Height |
14 ft 4 in |
Cabin Doors |
Airstair Door: 46 in x 20.2 in |
Cabin Length |
24 ft 10 in |
Cabin Height |
4 ft 9 in |
Cabin Width |
4 ft 6 in |
Useable Volume |
303 cu ft |
Baggage Area |
Maximum weight – 550 lbs |