Cessna Supports Marine Corps

The Road Runners of VMR-1, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC took delivery of two new production Cessna Citation Encore aircraft, called the UC-35D by the Marine Corps. Marine Corps aviation took a big step forward in capability with the help of Naval Air Systems Command PMA-207, the Support and Commercial Derivative Aircraft program office.

"This plane is smoother, quieter and almost twice as fast the C-12 we had before," said Capt. David G. Irving, a pilot with VMR-1. "We can now go above the weather, something we couldn't do before. We will still provide the same airlift support, but in a more efficient manner." Two other UC-35D aircraft were delivered earlier this year to MCAS Miramar, Calif. and one to MCAS Futenma, Japan.

"We are proud of our association with this very successful acquisition effort, which was led by Mr. Ron Tucker from PMA 207," said Capt. Mark Stone, Program Manager, PMA-207, Support and Commercial Derivative Aircraft program office. "These aircraft are being delivered to the Marines on budget and ahead of schedule and are performing superbly. Not only are the aircraft exceptionally reliable, they also have the distinction of being Naval Aviation's least expensive aircraft to operate. Cessna Aircraft should be very proud of the efforts they have made in support of the Global War on Terrorism and the Marine Corps."

The UC-35D Encore provides a significant increase in range; speed and payload to the Marine Corps airlift fleet. It is a state-of-the-art, twin turbofan commercial aircraft certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft has a range up to 1,800 nautical miles, a maximum speed of 525 knots, and a payload of up to 2,750 lbs.

This aircraft represents Cessna's numerous improvements over the UC-35C Ultra. The Encore has an improved avionics suite, quieter and more fuel-efficient engines with greater thrust, a more-rugged landing gear, improved anti-icing system, increased payload, more seated headroom, and an estimated 15 percent lower maintenance costs.

Utilizing the Performance Based Logistics (PBL) model, the UC-35 program employs a life cycle contractor support (LCCS) concept. The LCCS concept allows the Navy/Marine Corps to take advantage of the available support in the private sector to maintain and support these aircraft.

FMI: www.navy.mil