USMC Orders Six King Air 350 Turboprops as UC-12 Aircraft Replacement

Released on Friday, July 18, 2008

WICHITA, Kan. (July 18, 2008) � Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a defense contract by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) with an estimated value of $48 million. The contract is for six modified Beechcraft King Air 350 turboprops to replace six of their current UC-12 aircraft. The Beechcraft King Air family, which has been in USMC service for more than 20 years, is the world's best selling turboprop line of all time and the King Air 350 is the flagship aircraft in the line. Included in the contract are options allowing for replacement of the remaining UC-12 aircraft in their fleet. The contract comes as part of the fiscal 2007 and 2008 defense bills passed by Congress. "We are honored to have received this contract and proud to continue manufacturing aircraft for the United States Marine Corps," said Jim Schuster, HBC chairman & CEO.

"We appreciate the support from the Kansas Delegation for this important contract as these aircraft will provide operational support to our troops. We are grateful for our Congressional delegation's hard work in supporting the Kansas aviation industry."

The versatile King Air 350 is the largest of the King Air series. Because of its incredible capabilities, the aircraft is ideal for military use. A modified version of the King Air 350 with cargo doors and military required equipment will be replacing the venerable, but aging fleet. The newer aircraft will also provide the USMC with advanced technology and greater reliability. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2010.

The current UC-12 aircraft are military transport versions of the Beechcraft King Air 200, which have been providing urgent intra-theater transport of high priority cargo/passengers to the USMC for the last 20 years.