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."

FMI:  www.hawkerbeechcraft.com, www.raf.mod.uk