General Aviation News

Textron Aviation Delivers Two Special Mission King Air 260s to US Forest Service

Textron Aviation Delivers Two Special Mission King Air 260s to US Forest Service

Textron Aviation has delivered two of its Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft to the US Forest Service, which will use the aircraft for wildfire mapping missions.

“Whether for the wildfire detection and mapping, resource management, aerial supervision module/lead plane or air attack, the King Air continues to demonstrate its leadership in this mission. Customer faith in our legendary products and trust in our company and our team are at the core of our enduring relationship with U.S Forest Service,” said Bob Gibbs, Vice President and Special Mission Sales, Textron Aviation.

The King Air 260 aircraft, designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation, have been modified with installation of the latest infrared (IR) sensing technology, the Overwatch Imaging TK-9 Earthwatch Airborne Sensor, along with legacy U.S. Forest Service sensors that can accurately map wildfires in severe conditions.

The cockpit features the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle system, which supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people or cargo by automatically managing engine power from the takeoff roll through the climb, cruise, descent, landing, and go-around phases of flight.

More than 7,700 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers around the world since 1964.

INDUSTRY REPORTS