MC-12 Liberty

Manufacturer:  L-3 Communications

A highly modified Hawker Beechcraft Super King Air 350 civilian airframe, the MC-12 Liberty is the U.S. Air Force’s newest manned surveillance aircraft to support joint commanders in combat environments.

The MC-12W is a medium- to low-altitude, twin-engine turboprop aircraft. A fully operational system consists of a modified aircraft with sensors, a ground exploitation cell, line-of-sight and satellite communications datalinks, along with a robust voice communications suite.

The aircraft is equipped with an electro-optical infrared sensor and other sensors as the mission requires. The EO/IR sensor also includes a laser illuminator and designator in a single sensor package. The MC-12 system is capable of worldwide operations.