Beechcraft 200 Super King Air - Civilian

Joining the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Her Majesty's Coastguard - part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency - in the static display this year will be a specialised Beechcraft Super King Air 200 operated on their behalf by 2Excel Aviation. Since 2019 this heavily modified King Air has provided HM Coastguard with the capability to spot a person in the water up to 40 miles away using the Leonardo Osprey 30 radar, and also drop locator beacons, communications or first aid equipment to people in danger. In addition, the advanced sensors can be used to support counter pollution, fishing and law enforcement missions. Over 3,500 Super King Airs (now known as the King Air 200) have been manufactured and are used for a variety of roles by both civilian and military operators. The Royal Air Force also operate a specialised surveillance variant of the King Air called the Shadow and Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm operate the King Air in the training role as the Avenger.

Photo Credit: RIAT Volunteer