Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Special mission King Air moves to Japan

26th February 2021 - 01:13 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

RSS

Japan's army will soon have an operational fleet of eight King Air 350-family aircraft in service.

Textron Aviation announced on 25 February the recent delivery of a single King Air 350i aircraft destined for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

The aircraft configured for multiple special missions was handed over to Japcon Incorporated. Textron said the special mission suite included ‘a removable, belly-mounted, forward-looking infrared installation, forward executive cabin, communications equipment and racks’ without going into too much detail.

The aircraft has ‘devices for video transmission and infrared night vision to enhance its capacity to collect visual information'.

The King Air will be further modified in Japan, including adding a medical configuration, before the JGSDF takes delivery

Already have an account? Log in