FARNBOROUGH, U.K. (July 19, 2010) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s (HBC) Global Customer Support (GCS) today announced it is providing maintenance and support for the Iraqi Air Force’s fleet of Beechcraft King Air 350ER Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. Beginning July 1, the GCS organization transitioned into the full Contract Logistics Support (CLS) role for the Peace Dragon Program, supporting full flying schedules of six sorties out of New Al-Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq.
“This undertaking is an important and meaningful one for us because the support of our troops and their equipment is so critical,” said Christi Tannahill, HBC vice president, Global Customer Support. “No matter where they are or what circumstances they face, we take great pride in partnering with them to accomplish their missions.”
A total of 13 employees, including GCS representatives from the company’s service centers across the U.S., will provide maintenance and logistical support for the aircraft. HBC was awarded a contract to provide five ISR and one light transport version of the King Air 350 in March 2007.
Developed for special mission applications, the King Air 350ER turboprops utilized in the Peace Dragon Program include heavyweight landing gear, long range nacelle-mounted fuel tanks and other airframe modifications to support a 1,500 pound increase in gross weight. Adding the nacelle fuel tanks provides the King Air 350ER with more than eight hours of endurance and 2,400 nautical miles of range. The airplanes are equipped with Lynx-2 synthetic aperture radar units built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego, Calif.
Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., HBC’s Global Customer Support (GCS) is dedicated to improving the value of HBC aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase re-sale value. GCS is comprised of four functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/ warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers) and Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications).
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
