US Marine Corps adds additional Beechcraft UC-12W+ to utility transport fleet

The newly ordered aircraft is one of four set to join the fleet in 2028, amid efforts to eventually expand the fleet to 30 aircraft.
The US Marine Corps has awarded Textron Aviation an $18.6 million contract for an additional Beechcraft King Air 360CER aircraft, designated the UC-12W+, as part of its ongoing effort to modernise its utility transport fleet.

The contract was awarded on 28 September, with Textron announcing the deal on 9 November.

The aircraft – plus three other UC-12W+ examples now in production – are expected to be delivered to the Marine Corps in 2028, joining an in-service fleet that currently includes nine UC-12Ws and UC-12W+.

The UC-12W+ is a twin-engined turboprop based on Beechcraft’s King Air 360CER and used to transport military personnel and cargo. Its cabin can accommodate eight passengers but can also be reconfigured to carry equipment or patients in need of medical care.

The original UC-12W is based on Textron’s earlier Beechcraft King Air 350. Both models feature expanded fuel capacity and a large cargo door.

The UC-12W entered Marine Corps service in 2010, following an initial order for six aircraft placed in 2008.

The newer turboprops are intended to take over duties currently performed by older, non-deployable UC-12F, UC-12M and UC-35D aircraft.

The latest purchase contributes to a longer-term plan to increase the Marine Corps’ UC-12W fleet to 30 aircraft, including both W and W+ variants.

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