MC-12 Liberty Flight

Video by Senior Airman Andrew Buchanan 9th Reconnaissance Wing
MC-12W Liberty Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR): Scenes include exterior and interior of aircraft; sensors; night operations; sensor operators and tactical systems operators; pilots preparing aircraft; take off and recovery operations.

Mission
The MC-12W is a medium- to low-altitude, twin-engine turboprop aircraft. The primary mission is providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, support directly to ground forces. The MC-12W is a joint forces air component commander asset in support of the joint force commander.

Features
The MC-12W is not just an aircraft, but a complete collection, processing, analysis and dissemination system. The aircraft are military versions of the Hawker Beechcraft Super King Air 350 and Super King 350ER. A fully operational system consists of a modified aircraft with sensors, a ground exploitation cell, line-of-sight and satellite communications datalinks, along with a robust voice communications suite.

The aircraft is equipped with an electro-optical infrared sensor and other sensors as the mission requires. The EO/IR sensor also includes a laser illuminator and designator in a single sensor package. The MC-12 system is capable of worldwide operations.

Background
The “M” is the Department of Defense designation for a multi-role version of the well known C-12 series. In April 2008, the Secretary of Defense established a DOD-wide ISR Task Force to identify and recommend solutions for increased ISR in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. On July 1, 2008, the Secretary of Defense tasked the Air Force to acquire 37 “C-12” class aircraft to augment unmanned systems. Of note, it was less than eight months from funding approval to delivery in the theater.

The MC-12 capability supports all aspects of the Air Force Irregular Warfare mission (counter insurgency, foreign internal defense and building partnership capacity). Medium- to low-altitude ISR is a core mission for the Air Force.

The first MC-12 arrived at Key Field in Meridian, Miss., April 28, 2009. The first MC-12W flew its first combat support sortie on June 12, 2009.

General Characteristics
Primary function: Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
Contractor: L-3 Communications
Power plant: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-60A
Wingspan: 57 feet, 11 inches ( 17.65 meters)
Length: 46 feet, 8 inches (14.22 meters)
Height: 14 feet, 4 inches (4.37 meters)
Weight: 12,500 pounds empty (5,669 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 350, 15,000 pounds; 350ER, 16,500 pounds
Fuel capacity: 350, 3,611 pounds (1,638 kilograms); 350ER, 5,192 pounds (2,355 kilograms)
Speed: 312 knots
Range: 350, 1,500 nautical miles; 350ER, approximately 2,400 nautical miles
Ceiling: 35,000 feet (10,668 meters)
Armament: none
Crew: Two pilots and two sensor operators
Initial operating capability: June 2009
Unit cost: $17 million (aircraft and all communications equipment modifications)
Inventory: Active force, 42; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0