Beechcraft Avenger T1

The Super King Air 200 first flew in October 1972 and differed from the original King Air with larger fuselage and a high "T" tail. First deliveries of the Super King Air 200 also occurred in 1972 as the RU-21J for the US Army. In all, over 400 Super King Airs in various versions would be ordered for the US military under the common designation of C-12 Huron. The model 200 was further developed during the mid-1980s into the Super King Air 300 series which featured better aerodynamics and more powerful engines. This has been further developed into the King Air 350 (removing the Super) with a larger wingspan and longer fuselage. The Super King Air 200 was until recently used by the RAF as its multi-engine trainer and has now been replaced by the Embraer Phenom.

The Royal Navy began training on the King Air 350ER, known as the Avenger T1 in service, during September 2012. The aircraft are provided by Ascent Flight Training and crewed by a mixture of military and civilian instructors. The role of these modified King Airs is to train observers from the Navy's helicopter force, instructing them in the various systems and the management of sensor equipment.

The Royal Navy will once again be providing an Avenger T1 for static display at this year's Air Tattoo. The aircraft will be provided by 750 Naval Air Squadron from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.

Photo Credit: Peter March

On display

Role
Static