Takes Delivery Of First Of Two B200GTs
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) delivered the first of two
Beechcraft King Air B200GT aircraft to Serco Defence, Science and
Technology for service in the United Kingdom’s Royal Air
Force (RAF) as a multi-engine pilot trainer.
The second King Air B200GT will be delivered this summer and
both aircraft will join Number 45 Squadron at RAF Cranwell. These
aircraft will complement the existing fleet of seven Beechcraft
King Air B200s in service with the RAF, bringing the total to nine
King Airs.
"The King Air B200 fleet at Cranwell has been incredibly
successful, both in the speed in which the aircraft entered service
to replace the obsolete Jetstream, and the way in which it is
providing cost-effective multi-engine pilot training for the
military today," said Air Commodore Brian Newby, Director Flying
Training at 22 Group. "As our requirement for multi-engine pilots
has changed in response to a rapidly evolving strategic
environment, we look forward to supplementing our existing fleet
with these additional two new aircraft."
The original Beechcraft King Air order was placed in 2003 when
Serco announced it was awarded the €60 million ($93.6 million
US) Multi-Activity Contract for RAF Cranwell incorporating the
Multi-Engine Pilot Training Interim Solution. The new aircraft are
essential to meet an increase in the demand for military
multi-engine pilots within the UK Ministry of Defence, along with a
growing need for a modern, glass cockpit experience.
Air Commodore Newby formally accepted the aircraft on behalf of
the RAF on Tuesday, during a special delivery ceremony at Hawker
Beechcraft Corporation in Wichita, Kan. Also in attendance were
Squadron Leader Jad Reece, Officer Commanding Number 45 Squadron
and his B200GT project officer, Flight Lieutenant Andrew Linsley.
Representing Serco at the ceremony was David Griffiths, the overall
Service Contract Manager at Cranwell.
The B200GT is the latest evolution of the venerable Beechcraft
King Air B200-series of aircraft, boasting a state-of-the-art
glass, paperless cockpit and new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52
engines that provide higher cruise speeds and faster climb
rates.
"Because of its proven operational flexibility, the King Air
B200GT is an excellent fit for the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s
needs including maritime surveillance and pilot training," said Jim
Schuster, chairman and CEO, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. "The
aircraft is used in special mission roles around the world because
of its combination of high performance and low operating
costs."