The Mexican Navy Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR) has taken delivery of the first of four ordered Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft.
As part of the contract, Textron Aviation subsidiary Beechcraft will also offer on-the-ground service, support and training through its Global Mission Support organisation.
The new aircraft will be stationed at the naval base in Veracruz and the remaining three units are scheduled for delivery by the second quarter of 2015.
Beechcraft Special Missions vice-president Dan Keady said the Beechcraft King Air is a cost-effective and reliable partner for special missions work.
"The Mexican Navy operated a King Air C90 in the past and it’s great to see the King Air family return to its fleet. The delivery of the King Air 350ER further expands the Beechcraft relationship with SEMAR, which earlier this year placed an initial order for two T-6C+ military trainers," he said.
Designed to operate between 25,000ft and 35,000ft, the 350ER version of the aircraft is capable of cruising at a speed of more than 2,000km, and can accommodate eight passengers.
Capable of loitering low and slow or cruising at 300,000ft, the aircraft offers an endurance of 12 hours and is equipped with nacelle fuel tanks and heavy duty landing gear.
At Farnborough, Textron rolled out a customised Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft that supports search and rescue, fishery inspection, pollution monitoring and seaway / shipping lane surveillance missions.
Image: Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Beechcraft Corporation.
